Ensure hassle- free justice for people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged judges and lawyers to ensure people's right to quick and hassle-free justice.

"Getting justice quickly, less expensively and hassle-free is the right of the people. This can boost people's confidence and trust. Although we have our confidence and trust in the judiciary, I would request all to pay special attention to the matter," she said.

The PM was addressing a programme marking the inauguration of the newly-built Chief Judicial Magistrate Court Building in Dhaka. She joined the event virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said some 3,794,908 cases were pending trial in courts till June this year. She requested the judges and lawyers to find a way to ensure delivery of verdicts in cases quickly.

"Let not so many cases pile up. Please be cordial and take steps to finish these trials. We will extend our cooperation if needed, but we don't want such a huge number of cases pending trial."

She said the Awami League government always pledged to establish rule of law. "Whenever we came to power, we ensured that first. We give our special attention to establishing the right to justice for all."

Recalling her and her younger sister's miserable days of waiting for justice for the killings of their father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other family members on August 15, 1975, Hasina said no one should suffer in the absence of justice like they did.  

The PM renewed her call for writing judgments in Bangla alongside English so that the general people can understand the judgments.

She also spoke about rape incidents and her government's steps taken in this regard.

Nearly 1,000 rape cases, including over 200 for gang rapes, have been reported between January and September this year, according to Ain o Salish Kendra. The actual number is thought to be much higher than this as most victims do not report assaults.

Countrywide recent protests sparked by a series of rape incidents prompted the government to incorporate the death penalty as the highest punishment in the related law.

The premier said the government promulgated Women and Children Repression Prevention Ordinance 2020 to ensure the toughest punishment for the offenders and control this crime. The cabinet has already passed the ordinance and it will be placed in parliament in the next session for its passage.

Talking about drug abuse, Hasina said it is a big problem in the society as this menace completely destroys a family. She said the government is continuing its drive against drug abuse.

The premier said the government wants everyone involved in drug abuse to be punished quickly so that the society and families can be freed from the menace.

Hasina said when three organs of the government -- legislature, judiciary and executive -- work complementarily with each other, the country can run properly.

She urged the judiciary to take steps to introduce virtual courts in all jails across the country like it has been done in Keraniganj jail in Dhaka.

The premier briefly described various development activities of her government for the development of the judiciary.

     Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, Law Minister Anisul Huq and Law Secretary Golam Sarwar also spoke at the programme.