Desk Report:
The speakers concerned have commented that village courts can play a unique role in ensuring justice at the grassroots level. This opinion was expressed at a view exchange meeting on “Publicity activities for activating village courts” with district information officers of Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions at a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
The meeting was presided over by Md. Abdul Jalil. Suraiya Akhter Jahan was present as the chief guest.
Project Coordinator Bibhas Chakraborty presented a long power point at the meeting highlighting the current progress of the “Village Court Activation in Bangladesh-Phase 3 Project” and the role of the Department of Mass Communication. In addition, Barrister Moshiur Rahman Chowdhury presented a review of the Village Court Act-2006 and its rules and regulations. The activities and publicity areas of the Department of Mass Communication were discussed by the Director (Publicity and Coordination) of the Department, Dalia Yasmin.
The speakers said that there is no alternative to village courts in getting proper justice in a short time and at low cost. Criminal and civil disputes worth up to 3 lakh taka can be settled here. Since disputes are settled on the basis of compromise without a lawyer, it is a simple, effective and people-friendly system.
They also said that the poor and marginalized population—especially women, the disabled and small ethnic groups—can easily get justice through village courts. This also reduces the risk of protracted proceedings and additional costs.
In her speech as the chief guest, Suraiya Akhter Jahan said that if legal services are provided to the rural people through village courts through a joint initiative, they will be protected from financial and mental harassment. She highlighted the importance of village courts in resolving theft, riots, fraud, family disputes, threats, disrespect for women, child marriage and other civil disputes.
He urged the Department of Mass Communication to play a more active role in raising public awareness on these issues and stressed the importance of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In his speech as the chairman, Md. Abdul Jalil said that information officers are working regularly to keep the people aware of government services and rights. He said that by effectively promoting the village courts, it is possible to provide access to justice to the people easily and at a nominal cost. For this, a coordinated initiative is very important.
