Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman announced yesterday that the government is considering changes to legislation that would mandate lawyers to handle a minimum of 10 percent of their cases pro bono. This move aims to provide free legal assistance to underprivileged individuals, ensuring access to justice for those in need.
Speaking at a discussion commemorating National Legal Aid Day 2026 at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka, the Law Minister highlighted the significant backlog of over 4 million cases in lower courts and the presence of 80,000 lawyers nationwide. He expressed concern that some lawyers prioritize quick financial gains over their professional responsibilities, attributing this behavior to inadequate training. Emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards, he stressed the necessity for all lawyers to maintain a high level of integrity.
The event, organized by the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee, served as a platform for discussions on improving legal services. The minister disclosed plans to introduce training programs for lawyers, revealing an existing collaboration between the Bangladesh Bar Council and a British law firm to facilitate this initiative.
Furthermore, the minister underscored the urgency of increasing budget allocations for the judiciary to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness. The discussion was presided over by Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque, the chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee.
