Mediation can resolve 45 lakh pending cases: Law Minister

Mediation can resolve 45 lakh pending cases: Law Minister

Effective mediation can significantly reduce the backlog of approximately 45 lakh pending cases in the country's courts, ensuring faster, more affordable and humane justice for the people, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a two-day 'Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals' programme under the project 'Enhancing Access to Justice through Mediation and Improvement of Civil Procedure' at Hotel InterContinental in the capital on Saturday (August 1).

The Law Minister said mediation is a dispute resolution method that helps litigants receive swift justice by reducing time, cost and mental suffering. One of the government's priorities is to ensure justice for the poor, marginalised, underprivileged and victims of human rights violations. The government is working towards this goal through the Bangladesh Legal Aid Department.

He said that for a skilled mediator, legal knowledge alone is not enough; one needs humanity, patience, wisdom and the ability to create solutions based on mutual trust. In this context, he urged participants to read Japan's 'Justice with a Smile' book, saying such literature would help mediators develop a humane perspective.

The Law Minister said many believe lawyers are reluctant to pursue settlements. However, in reality, lawyers play a vital role in numerous successful mediations and arbitrations both at home and abroad. The positive culture of discussion-based dispute resolution needs to be further expanded.

He said lengthy judicial processes cost years of time, money and labour, while also causing mental stress and various physical problems. Therefore, he emphasised building a culture of resolving most disputes through discussion, except for murder and other serious cognisable offences.

The minister announced that under the project, one female and one male mediator demonstrating the best performance will be given advanced training opportunities in Japan. He expressed hope that this would help mediators in the country become more skilled, impartial and professional.