With an aim to establish a more accessible and efficient justice system in the country, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) rolled out its three-year-long ‘Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practices for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project’ in Bangladesh. This initiative marks a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to improve the country’s legal infrastructure for all citizens.
The project was launched on June 04, 2024, through a ceremony held in the InterContinental Dhaka, located in the capital’s Minto Road area. Anisul Huq, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, attended the event as Chief Guest, along with Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, present as the Special Guest. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary, Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, Law and Justice Division, was present as the chairperson of the event.
The Record of Discussions (R/D) for this project was officially signed on November 16, 2023, by representatives from the Law and Justice Division, the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and JICA. This signing solidifies the commitment of all parties to work together towards the common goal of enhancing access to justice for all citizens in Bangladesh.
Anisul Huq, MP, Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliament Affairs, commented, “Today’s event marks a new chapter in our ongoing efforts. With the invaluable support of JICA, we are launching a project specifically designed to strengthen mediation and improve civil litigation practices. This project aims to draw experience from Japan’s legal system, which prioritizes access to justice for all through mediation. The 3-year project will be implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. By combining our traditional methods of dispute resolution with the valuable insights and experience from Japan, we can enhance our approach to justice and make it more efficient and accessible for everyone.”
Under this collaborative project, JICA will work to enhance access to justice for all citizens in Bangladesh by strengthening the country’s legal infrastructure. Its primary purpose is to promote the establishment of the foundation for improved access to justice in the courts, Legal Aid Offices, and related organizations within the country. By focusing on the development of mediation and civil litigation practices, the project seeks to ensure that legal processes are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people.