Expansion of the e-judiciary is underway to ensure a more efficient justice system

Bangladesh’s judiciary is steadily advancing toward a technology-driven system, as a range of digital initiatives—from e-bail bond management to online cause lists—are being integrated into a broader “e-judiciary” framework.

Legal experts say the move reflects a wider effort to modernise court procedures, improve transparency, and ease the long-standing difficulties faced by litigants. Although still evolving, the transformation is already beginning to change how courts function, offering a glimpse of a more efficient and accessible justice system.

At the core of this shift are key digital services such as e-family courts, online case tracking, and the digitisation of marriage and divorce registration. Together, these initiatives aim to streamline judicial processes, reduce reliance on physical presence, and cut procedural delays.

Supreme Court Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee noted that existing legal provisions allow for the integration of technology into court proceedings. He said the Chief Justice is placing particular emphasis on the issue, adding that introducing online testimony from doctors, investigating officers, and expert witnesses could significantly speed up case disposal.

He explained that proceedings are often delayed due to the absence of key witnesses, and enabling remote testimony would remove this hurdle while saving judges valuable time. He also pointed out that a comprehensive audio-visual recording system would ensure testimonies are fully documented and can be verified later.

Such measures, he added, would enhance transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and allow judges to focus more on judgment writing and legal analysis, ultimately improving the quality of justice.

Meanwhile, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman informed Parliament in a written reply that the e-judiciary project has been sent to the Planning Commission, with efforts underway to revise the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for full digitisation of the judicial system.

Once implemented, all judicial functions—including case filing, tracking, cause list management, and document preservation—will be conducted digitally, easing the burden on justice seekers.

Currently, an e-bail bond management system is operational in nine districts, allowing bail bonds to be submitted online and saving time and costs for lawyers, prison authorities, and litigants. Plans are in place to expand it nationwide.

E-family courts have also been introduced in two districts, enabling online hearings and disposal of family cases, which has particularly improved access to justice for women and children.

In addition, cause lists for both lower and higher courts are now available online, allowing litigants to check case dates and status from home. Information and service centres have also been set up in all Chief Judicial Magistrate courts to help users track case progress more easily.

Efforts are also underway to digitise marriage and divorce registration, with online services planned in 102 unions across 10 districts. This is expected to curb fraud and reduce related disputes.

Supreme Court Bar Association Acting Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Milon said digital tools—especially online testimony in criminal cases—have already made a noticeable difference, enabling investigators and expert witnesses to testify more easily and accelerating case proceedings. He added that e-bail bond and e-family court systems have made judicial services more accessible for the public.

However, challenges remain, as many senior lawyers are still adapting to the digital system.

Legal experts emphasise that if implemented effectively, the e-judiciary initiative could significantly speed up proceedings, lower costs, and strengthen transparency. At the same time, they stress the need for robust technological infrastructure, proper training, and greater awareness to ensure its success.