Justice for all, not privilege for few.
The country is observing National Legal Aid Day today with the aim of reaching vulnerable communities, particularly women and low-income groups, who often struggle with legal costs, distance and lack of awareness about legal services.
This year's theme is "State-funded justice for all, Bangladesh first".
The Law and Justice Division has taken various programmes to mark the day with due importance.
Authorities concerned have been asked to ensure adequate security arrangements and extend support at district and thana levels for displaying posters and banners, as well as making public announcements through miking.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on April 27 inaugurated a mobile legal aid camp at Korail slum in the capital.
During the event, the minister provided instant legal advice to two women-Mostakima Akter and Hawa Begum-and listened to various problems of slum dwellers, giving directives for their resolution.
Marking the day, the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee is holding a discussion this afternoon at the Supreme Court auditorium. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman is scheduled to address the function as the chief guest.
The programme will be presided over by Chairman of the committee Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and is scheduled to be attended by Justice Farah Mahbub of the Appellate Division.
To make legal aid services more accessible to people, mobile legal aid camps will be operated in phases at nine locations under Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation.
At these locations, lawyers enlisted with the District Legal Aid Committee panel will provide free legal advice, while trained paralegals will offer necessary guidance on how to receive the services.
National Legal Aid Day has been observed nationwide from the grassroots to the national level since 2013.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid has provided services to 1,437,736 people as of March 2026. District offices under the directorate have so far offered free legal advice to 312,813 people, including 203,029 women.
