E-family courts will reduce corruption, save time: Law Adviser

Law adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said the newly introduced e-family court system will reduce harassment and corruption and shorten case-processing time. He made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the e-family court at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court on Monday, November 24, in the morning.

He said that with the launch of e-family courts, litigants will no longer have to run from office to office. This, he said, will undoubtedly reduce harassment, curb corruption and save time.

He added that it is time for the country to embrace digitalisation across all sectors, including the justice system.

Dr Asif Nazrul said, “There is no need to thank us; just treat this initiative as you would your own child.”

He stated that the Ministry of Law has already completed 21 reforms. “We hope whichever political party comes to power next will preserve these reforms out of love for the country. We urge the next government to keep these initiatives intact,” he said.

The law adviser added that free legal aid is available for family cases, and it has been made compulsory. The system is currently operational in 20 districts and will soon be expanded to all 64 districts. He expressed hope that case backlog will reduce by 50 percent within five years.

Citing an example, he said former Singaporean prime minister Lee Kuan Yew needed 10 years to complete reforms. Therefore, reforms cannot be achieved overnight; they must be implemented realistically and with public acceptance.