‘Consensus emerges’ on grassroots justice reform, court decentralisation
Staff Correspondent
Political parties have “reached a consensus” on expanding subordinate courts to the Upazila level to make justice more accessible to citizens, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has said.
On Monday, he said the parties suggested several conditions for implementing the proposal, a key recommendation among them being placing Upazilas under the jurisdiction of district judge courts.
“Political parties have agreed on expanding subordinate courts to Upazilas to ensure justice reaches citizens at the grassroots,” said Riaz, following the 10th day of the second round of discussions between the commission and political parties.
“Existing circuit courts in island areas and functioning Upazila-level courts should be retained. Infrastructure should be developed accordingly.
“Upazilas close to district headquarters do not require separate courts, and a survey should be conducted to assess where they are needed,” Riaz added.
The Judicial Reform Commission had earlier proposed that the decision to establish permanent courts in Upazilas should be based on several factors: geographic location and characteristics, distance and transport connectivity from district headquarters, population density and distribution, and the volume of cases.
The commission also recommended studying whether existing circuit courts should be converted into permanent courts. Where needed, courts established in one Upazila may cover neighbouring areas, with jurisdictions defined accordingly.
It also proposed appointing senior assistant judges and first-class magistrates to these courts, expanding financial limits for civil cases, and extending legal aid services to the Upazila level.
Some political parties called for setting a clear timeline for completing the decentralisation process.
Ali Riaz added, “Political parties and the commission agree on expanding court infrastructure, allocating necessary funds, and extending legal aid to the Upazilas. There is collective hope that these reforms will be implemented.”
The BNP, which had abolished Upazila courts during its 1991–96 tenure, has now expressed support for reinstating them.
Senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Standing Committee, said: “Today’s discussion focused on decentralising the judiciary. We agreed in principle, with certain qualifications. Upazilas located in district towns don’t need separate courts -- those can be brought under the district court system.”
Asked why the BNP now supports what it once abolished, Salahuddin said: “In 1991, there was a broad national sentiment in favour of abolishing them, and there was no major objection. But conditions have evolved. The current generation and public needs require a rethink.”
The Jamaat-e-Islami also backed the proposal.
Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said all 40 existing circuit courts in 23 districts should be upgraded to permanent courts, with proper infrastructure and logistics.
Asked if expanding the courts might fuel corruption, Azad replied: “Corruption exists in many areas. Jamaat believes the solution lies in raising public awareness and moral values.
“If we want good governance and fair justice, we must bring the judiciary to people’s doorsteps.”
BROAD SUPPORT FOR AMENDING EMERGENCY STATE
The meeting also saw discussions on constitutional provisions related to states of emergency.
Riaz said, “A significant discussion was held on Article 141 of the Constitution. Political parties agreed to propose amendments to Clauses (A) through (E) of Section 141, and that emergency powers should never be used for political purposes. We’re not saying the issue is fully resolved, but there’s clear progress.”
BNP’s Salahuddin echoed this, saying: “There is consensus that the emergency law should be reformed and its use for political gain must be stopped.”
