Staff Correspondent: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday said that his government has taken specific plans to ensure “access to justice” for financially insolvent people.
“The government has taken specific plans to ensure ‘access to justice’ for financially insolvent people,” he said while addressing the inaugural function of the “National Legal Aid Day-2026” programmes at Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the city this noon. Noting that access to justice is a constitutional right of the people, the Prime Minister said, “According to Article 27 of the Constitution, all citizens are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection, which reflects Article 7 of the United Nations declaration”.
The present government believes access to justice is the right of every citizen, he said, adding, it is not desirable in a democratic state for any citizen to be deprived of access to legal protection or justice due to financial constraints.
The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry organized the event while Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain took part in the discussion.
Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman was present at the function, among others.
Sharing his personal experience while serving in jail, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman said, “I also had to remain in prison for a long time due to political vengeance. There were many inmates at that time who were forced to stay in prison for years without trial due to financial hardship”.
Stating that justice is the foundation of progress and peace in any state and society, he said, “People in every age have aspired for a discrimination-free system, guarantee of living with equal rights and dignity. Mutual trust, compassion and equality are essential for a justice based society”.
Justice is not only a matter of courts or law, but it is the core strength of a humane and responsible state system, the Prime Minister said, adding, “We believe that a country without rule of law, justice, and human rights cannot be a humane state”.
