IN BANGLADESH’S social structure, justice has always been a crucial issue. While courts, lawyers and judicial system are relatively accessible to urban residents, for rural communities, justice often remains an unattainable reality. Complex legal procedures, prolonged case settlements, high costs and social barriers discourage ordinary citizens — particularly women and marginalised groups — from seeking legal redress. Yet, the fundamental objective of state policy is to make justice accessible to all. To achieve this goal, the ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh’ project, implemented by the Local Government Division with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union, stands as a timely and effective initiative. The ongoing third phase is not merely a development project — it represents a social transformation, bringing justice from the city walls to the very doorsteps of rural citizens.
The project began in 2009 under the Local Government Division, with financial and technical assistance from the European Union and UNDP. Its primary objective was to functionalise the village court system at the union level and bring justice to the grassroots population.
The project has been implemented in several phases. In the pilot phase, activities were launched in 351 selected unions, where local representatives and Union Parishad members were trained, legal awareness campaigns were conducted, and steps were taken to ensure transparency and accessibility in court operations. Following the success of this phase, the second phase expanded to 1,080 unions, benefiting large segments of the rural population.
Currently, the third phase (2022–2027) is underway, with special emphasis on increasing women’s participation inÌý decision making process, ensuring the inclusion of marginalised communities, institutionalising legal aid and accelerating the case settlement process. Under this phase, Union Parishad members and local leaders are being regularly trained and extensive awareness campaigns are being carried out to encourage people to file cases through village courts.
One of the key successes of the project lies in its speed and cost efficiency. On average, a case is settled in just 18 days, with a cost of about Tk 328. To date, over 100,000 people have received services from village courts, a significant portion of whom are women. Women are not only appearing as litigants but also participating as Union Parishad members (about 15 per cent) actively involved in the judicial process.
This project is not merely an administrative initiative — it is deeply linked to people’s fundamental needs. Marginalised communities once feared the formal courts, associating them with years of expense and struggle. Now, through Union Parishads, they are receiving timely resolutions via village courts. According to project data, by last year, around 136,000 cases were filed in village courts, of which over 36,000 were filed by women. This marks a historic shift — women who once hesitated to seek justice are now coming forward with confidence. Notably, about 78 per cent of all filed cases have been resolved. This figure is not just statistical — it reflects a growing public trust that justice can be achieved even in the remotest areas, outside the walls of the High Court or Supreme Court, and in a much simpler way.
However, questions remain — how many people, especially in remote regions, truly know about the village court system? To ensure justice for marginalised populations, the operations and benefits of village courts must reach these communities first. Particularly for rural women, village courts are proving indispensable in achieving access to justice.
One of the greatest achievements of the village courts is the increased participation of women. Yet, many women and marginalised groups — such as ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, transgender people, Dalits and the poor — remain unaware of the services village courts provide. Many still do not know that they can seek redress for maintenance claims, degrading treatment and minor civil or criminal issues. For generations, women in our society have faced neglect and exclusion in matters of justice. Without the consent of male family members, they were often unable to seek legal assistance. Social stigma, fear of dishonour or possible retaliation forced many to remain silent.
However, through regular training, legal awareness programmes, and the active involvement of female Union Parishad members, this project has brought significant change. Today, many women not only file their own cases but also inspire others to do the same. This has enhanced women’s leadership, confidence and social standing. In the long term, this trend will contribute positively to gender equality and social justice in rural communities.
According to the Village Court Act, 2006, cases such as ‘claims for due maintenance cost by a wife’ can be resolved through the village court system. As a result, a married or even a divorced woman, regardless of religion or ethnicity, can now file a case at the Union Parishad to claim her due maintenance through the village court. Maintenance includes essential needs such as food, shelter and clothing, determined according to social standing. The husband holds full responsibility for providing maintenance to his wife. However, the village court has no jurisdiction over other family matters such as divorce or child custody.
Despite these advances, challenges remain. Many people still lack awareness of how village courts function. Social prejudices and patriarchal attitudes continue to hinder women’s participation. Union-level infrastructure and staffing are limited. Moreover, certain areas of the existing laws need amendment to make the system more efficient. Nevertheless, these challenges can be overcome through collective efforts involving the government, local leadership, development partners and civil society.Ìý
The third phase of the village court strengthening initiative is not just an administrative programme; it represents a new vision of justice in Bangladesh. If successfully implemented, it will significantly reduce pressure on the district courts. Fewer cases will reach the higher courts, allowing judges to focus more on complex cases. Most importantly, rural citizens will no longer perceive justice as something distant. Women will become equal stakeholders, marginalised groups will be included, and the rule of law will truly be established across society.
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Saidur Rahman is a journalist and writer.
