Mediators have to play vital role in reducing case backlog: Justice Siddique

Justice Md Abu Zafor Siddique, a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, has said that mediators have to play a vital role in reducing case backlog from the judicial system of the country by receiving proper training on mediation. 

Justice Siddique said this in the inauguration ceremony of a 40-hour mediation training workshop held on Thursday at the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. He attended as the chief guest at the programme organised by the Bangladesh International Mediation Society (BIMS). 

The justice said, "No matter how many judges are appointed, the case backlog will not be reduced easily. Therefore, mediation can play an important role in resolving case backlogs in the courts. Young lawyers should become good mediators through training in mediation. 

Justice is a correlative matter, he said, commenting that it is very difficult to establish justice through a long judicial process. We judge according to the customary laws. I don't know if it is justice or not. 

Noting that litigation does not establish peace in the society, rather it increases anger, he said, settling disputes through mediation creates good relations between both parties. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on the application of mediation."

Justice Md Ashraful Kamal, who attended the programme as a special guest, said that it is not possible to resolve the case backlog within the existing legal framework. Therefore, mediation should be used as an alternative mechanism. The mountain of litigations should be reduced through mediation. 

Senior Advocate Samarendra Nath Goswami, Chairman of the BIMS, gave the welcome speech at the programme, while Advocate Abdun Nur Dulal, Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), presided over the programme.  

Yousra Hasona, BIMS Regional Director (Middle East), conducted the programme. A total of 65 delegates participated in the programme. 

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