'Achieving judicial equity impossible without legal aid'

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain on Wednesday said in the context of socio-economic situation in Bangladesh it is impossible to achieve judicial equity without providing legal assistance to poor people.

“In order to ensure access to justice to the indigent people, the Legal Aid Services Act was enacted in 2000. A total of 3, 28,126 persons were provided with legal assistance under the act till July, 2018,” he said.

The chief justice said these while addressing a workshop titled ‘Legal Aid and Law Reporting’ at the Conference Room of Supreme Court here.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and Supreme Court committee of National Legal Aid Services Organization organised the function jointly, reports BSS.

Chief of Supreme Court committee of National Legal Aid Services Organization Justice M Enayetur Rahim presented welcome speech at the function, while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, Supreme Court Registrar General Dr Zakir Hossain. MJF executive director Shahin Anam, Supreme Court Bar Association president Jaynul Abedin, Bangladesh Bar Council vice-chairman Eusuf Hossain Humayun and Law Reporters’ Forum president Sayed Ahmed addressed the workshop, among others.

“Legal aid programme of the government is being appreciated by all. The fruit of this programme has reached the grassroots,” said the chief justice, adding judges, lawyers, NGO workers, civil society and journalists all played their part to ensure good governance.