Infrastructure crisis causes case backlog

The Rangamati District Judge's Court and the Judicial Magistrate's Court were established in Rangamati in 2008. The proceedings of the two courts are being run in the same building, resulting in a backlog of cases.

Advocate Mihir Baran Chakma, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Rangamati Judge's Court, said, “The main problem is a lack of infrastructure for judges and lawyers. There are only five rooms for 11 judges. Some lawyers stay in rented houses, but they feel insecure. There should be residential arrangement for lawyers.”

Md Rofikul Islam, 35, a litigant, who comes from Longudu upazila under Rangamati district, said, “There is no shed or public toilet outside the court for litigants.”

“Many lawyers come from Chittagong town and, due to lack of residential facilities, sometimes they can't be present at the court. As a result, litigants suffer many problems, he added.

At present, 6,000 cases, including 350 murder cases, are pending in the Rangamati Judge's Court.

“A huge number of litigants come from rural area, and they face many problems,” said Advocate Susmita Chakma.

Toshon Chakma, secretary, Zila Ayinjibi Samity, said, “We work here by turn with our clients, but it is very difficult due to the scarcity of space. The judges also work by turn, so we face very long delays in court.”

Dipen Dewan, ex-judge said, “I urge the government to take immediate steps for building residences for judges and lawyers.”