Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that his government has taken specific plans to ensure “access to justice” for financially insolvent people.

“The government has taken specific plans to ensure ‘access to justice’ for financially insolvent people,” he said while addressing the inaugural function of the “National Legal Aid Day-2026” programmes at Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the city this noon.

Noting that access to justice is a constitutional right of the people, the Prime Minister said, “According to Article 27 of the Constitution, all citizens are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection, which reflects Article 7 of the United Nations declaration”.

The present government believes access to justice is the right of every citizen, he said, adding, it is not desirable in a democratic state for any citizen to be deprived of access to legal protection or justice due to financial constraints.

The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry organized the event while Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain took part in the discussion.

Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman was present at the function, among others.

Sharing his personal experience while serving in jail, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman said, “I also had to remain in prison for a long time due to political vengeance. There were many inmates at that time who were forced to stay in prison for years without trial due to financial hardship”.

Stating that justice is the foundation of progress and peace in any state and society, he said, “People in every age have aspired for a discrimination-free system, guarantee of living with equal rights and dignity. Mutual trust, compassion and equality are essential for a justice based society”.

Justice is not only a matter of courts or law, but it is the core strength of a humane and responsible state system, the Prime Minister said, adding, “We believe that a country without rule of law, justice, and human rights cannot be a humane state”.

After more than a decade and a half, people have started walking once again on the path of democracy, he said, adding, “To consolidate this journey, there is no alternative to establishing the rule of justice in the country”.

Stating that every citizen has the right to access to justice, Tarique Rahman said the government continues legal aid programmes to ensure no one is deprived of ‘access to justice’ due to financial constraints.

The government is trying to ensure that no victim is deprived of justice because they cannot afford a lawyer, he said, adding, “This is the expectation of the current government that justice should become a reality in every person’s life, not just in law books”.

The Prime Minister emphasised that justice is not only a court-centric process, saying, “It is a living value that needs to be reflected in every policy of the state and the activities of every institution.”

“Justice becomes effective only when law is not used as a tool against people rather it is used as a moral force to protect their dignity and rights,” he said.

He said the concept of justice has served as a powerful tool in the history of the formation of  Bangladesh state. Since getting justice is the constitutional right of every citizen, so the government will provide them with appropriate legal aid, he added. 

In this connections, he said the government has brought necessary amendments to the relevant provisions to this end. 

Stressing that delayed justice means denied justice, the Prime Minister said considering this reality, the government has introduced mediation through legal aid to resolve disputes before formal cases begin.

“Thousands of disputes have already been resolved quickly and at low cost outside courts through this system. In many cases, solutions came within a few meetings instead of months or years, reducing pressure on courts and government expenses,” he added.

The premier said lack of timely advice escalates minor disputes and people become averse to justice, adding, therefore, the government is emphasising that the Legal Aid would play a more effective role.

Calling upon the people to keep trust in the government, the Prime Minister said, “People must believe that the state remains beside them in times of need, and the Legal Aid will emerge as the reflection of that trust”.  

“Let’s build a just and humane state together where justice will be the final word,” Tarique Rahman said.

At the event, Sayem Khan of Dhaka and Neelima Biswas of Rajshahi received crests and awards from the Prime Minister as the best panel lawyers.

Besides, the non-government organization ‘Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program Cell of BRAC’ was nominated to advance the activities of Legal Aid across the country.

BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh also received a certificate of honor and crest from the Prime Minister.