A divisional workshop titled `Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Village Courts’ was held today at the Circuit House Conference Room in Chattogram on May 20, 2026.
The event was organized by the District Administration of Chattogram under the `Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (Phase III) Project,’ an initiative of the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives. The project is technically and financially supported by Bangladesh Government, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The workshop centered around the core motto: `To get accurate justice in a short time and at a low cost, let’s go to the Village Court.’ Its primary goal was to ensure swift and hassle-free judicial services at the doorsteps of rural communities, while fostering a gender-equal and inclusive environment in village court operations.
Mr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate of Chattogram, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he emphasized the need for digital adaptation. He said, `We must modernize and activate village courts in alignment with the changing times. Utilizing digital apps to update court data and tracking case progress is the need of the hour. Village courts play an undeniable role in ensuring swift justice for rural citizens, especially women. To strengthen public trust in this system, we must take necessary measures and significantly increase awareness campaigns.’
Speaking as the Special Guest, Mr. Safizul Islam, Additional DIG (Operations) of Chattogram Range, highlighted a common challenge regarding jurisdiction stating, `Due to a lack of awareness, many people file cases at local police stations that actually fall under the jurisdiction of village courts and should be resolved at the Union Parishad level. We need extensive awareness campaigns to inform the public about the legal services available right at their Union Parishads. Educating citizens about the scope and functions of village courts will greatly enhance public confidence in the rural justice system.’
The workshop was presided over by Mr. Golam Mainuddin Hasan, Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary) of Local Government, Chattogram. In his remarks, he thanked the participants and stated, `Field-level officials must work with utmost sincerity to make village courts more gender-responsive and inclusive for the general public. I urge all stakeholders to collaborate seamlessly to achieve our goal of bringing justice directly to the doorsteps of rural communities.’
The divisional workshop saw spontaneous participation from government officials, Union Parishad (UP) Chairmen, and members from various Upazilas across Chattogram, Chandpur, Noakhali, and Cox’s Bazar districts, alongside representatives from partner development organizations. Among the notable dignitaries present at the event were, Mr. Kazi Tarik Aziz, Additional Superintendent of Police, Chattogram District, Mr. Subrata Das, District Legal Aid Officer and Senior Civil Judge, Shamima Akter Shammi, Gender Analyst, UNDP Bangladesh, Farhana Idris, Assistant Director, YPSA and others.
