PM says government has taken targeted steps to secure justice for the poor

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said his government has adopted targeted plans to ensure “access to justice” for financially disadvantaged people.

“The government has taken specific plans to guarantee ‘access to justice’ for those who are financially insolvent,” he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the National Legal Aid Day-2026 programmes at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the city.

Emphasising that access to justice is a constitutional right, the prime minister noted that Article 27 ensures equality before the law and equal protection for all citizens, echoing principles outlined in international human rights frameworks.

He said the government firmly believes that every citizen has the right to legal protection, adding that in a democratic state, it is unacceptable for anyone to be denied justice due to financial hardship.

The event was organised by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry. Among those present were Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and Director General of the Bangladesh Legal Aid Directorate Md Monjurul Hossain. Barrister Zaima Rahman, the prime minister’s daughter, also attended.

Recalling his own experience in prison, Tarique Rahman, who is also the chairman of the ruling BNP, said he had witnessed many inmates being held for years without trial due to financial constraints.

He stressed that justice is the foundation of peace and progress, saying people across generations have aspired to live in a society free from discrimination, with equal rights and dignity.

“Justice is not confined to courts or legal texts; it is the core strength of a humane and responsible state,” he said, adding that no country can be truly humane without the rule of law, justice, and human rights.

Referring to the country’s democratic trajectory, he said people have resumed their journey towards democracy after a long period, and that strengthening the rule of justice is essential to sustain this progress.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the prime minister said legal aid programmes are being expanded to ensure that no one is deprived of justice due to financial limitations.

“We want justice to be a reality in people’s lives, not just a principle in law books,” he said.

More to follow…