A total of 56,877 poor, helpless and financially insolvent justice-seekers were provided with legal assistance at government expense in six months from July to December in 2021-2022 fiscal.

This information has been revealed in a report on website of National Legal Aid Services Organisation.

In the six-month period, 12,797 poor, helpless and financially insolvent people received free legal aid, legal advice and information services by dialing hotline number ‘16430’ (toll-free).

Eligibility of minority ethnic groups to get legal aid in the apex court of the country is ensured in the Legal Aid Policy, said Supreme Court Legal Aid Chairman Justice Jahangir Hossain Salim in the 22nd meeting of the committee.

The Awami League-led government enacted the Legal Aid Services Act, 2000 to provide legal assistance at the government’s expense to the financially insolvent, helpless and incapable people seeking justice.

After winning the elections held on December 29, 2008, the Awami League took various steps to ensure justice for the poor, helpless and indigent people and it continues to do so.