‘Legal processes have driven all reforms’

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Monday said that all reforms and changes in Bangladesh have been achieved through legal processes, as he inaugurated the e-Family Court system at the Jagannath-Sohel Memorial Auditorium of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court building.

“In family disputes, people no longer need to appear physically in court, as free services are now available through legal aid. The new system involves three judges instead of one, making the process more efficient,” Dr Nazrul said.
He stressed that reforms are essential but must be grounded in practical realities. “We have not been able to do much, but we hope these initiatives will continue even after a new government takes office. Otherwise, they will fade away,” he added, cautioning that excessive reform attempts should not weaken the state’s structural foundation and that any process must be implemented gradually to be effective.

Speaking on the Ministry of Law’s ongoing reforms, Dr Nazrul said 21 reforms have been introduced so far but emphasized that their sustainability depends on the continued engagement of lawyers and other stakeholders.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan welcomed the e-Family Court system, saying it would significantly advance the country’s transition toward a paperless judiciary. “This gives me great satisfaction. I thank the lawyers for accepting the process. With your cooperation, this initiative can be fully implemented,” she said.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, noted that the digital system would allow legal professionals to deliver faster and more effective services. Supreme Court Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddique said the e-Family Court would further move the justice system toward a paperless structure.

Organizers said the e-Family Court would address long-standing issues such as lengthy procedures, high costs, travel difficulties, paper-based documentation, delays, and overcrowding. The new system will also provide faster online processing, minimal costs, access from home, digital documents, 24/7 registration, and convenient online scheduling.