Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said his government has taken steps to ensure access to justice for all, especially the financially disadvantaged, stressing that there is no alternative to establishing the rule of justice to consolidate the country’s renewed democratic journey.

“After more than a decade and a half of fascist rule, the people of Bangladesh have begun to walk once again on the path of democracy. To strengthen this democratic journey, there is no alternative to establishing the rule of justice in the country. This justice is applicable to everyone,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking at a programme arranged by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry at Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre, marking the National Legal Aid Day.

He said the government believes that a country lacking the rule of law, justice and human rights can never become a truly democratic and humane state.

In a democratic country, Tarique said, it is neither desirable nor acceptable for any citizen to be deprived of access to legal remedies or justice due to financial constraints.

Referring to the constitutional provisions, he said Article 27 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law, reflecting the spirit of Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Prime Minister underscored that justice is a constitutional right of every citizen and reiterated that no one should be denied legal support or fair trial due to poverty.

He said the government has continued its legal aid programmes to ensure that no individual is deprived of access to justice due to lack of financial means.

“To ensure access to justice for those who are not financially capable, the government has adopted specific plans and measures,” Tarique added.

Sharing his personal experience, Tarique said he had spent a long time in prison due to political vendetta, where he witnessed many underprivileged people remaining behind bars for years without trial simply because they could not afford legal assistance.

“Justice is the foundation of progress and peace in any state and society. People in every age have aspired for a discrimination-free system where they can live with dignity and access to justice and remedies,” he said.

The Prime Minister said equality, compassion and mutual trust are essential for establishing a justice-based society.

 Referring to justice as a living value of a humane and responsible state, he said justice should not remain limited to books or courtrooms. It must be reflected in every policy, decision and institution of the state.

“Justice is not only about courts or procedures. It is a living value that must be reflected in every aspect of governance,” the Prime Minister said.

He also said law becomes meaningful only when it protects human dignity and ensures rights, rather than acting as a mechanical tool.

The Prime Minister said access to justice is a constitutional right and the state has a responsibility to ensure that every citizen can exercise that right.

He recalled that former president Ziaur Rahman restored judicial independence, laying the foundation for justice in the country, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia introduced legal aid initiatives to make justice more accessible.

The Prime Minister said the government is committed to ensuring legal aid for all citizens and has already brought necessary reforms to relevant rules and regulations.

He said the legal aid system has helped resolve thousands of disputes through mediation before cases reach courts, reducing pressure on courts and cutting public expenses.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Tarique said, adding that mediation and alternative dispute resolution are helping people settle cases faster and outside courtrooms.

He hoped that legal aid helplines will play a stronger role in providing early legal advice so that small disputes do not become complicated legal cases.

The Prime Minister said laws become meaningful only when they serve as instruments to uphold human dignity and ensure rights, rather than functioning as mechanical tools of enforcement.

The Prime Minister said the government has already introduced necessary amendments to relevant laws and regulations to strengthen legal aid services and ensure that every citizen can exercise their constitutional right to justice.

The Prime Minister called upon everyone to work together to build a fair and humane society where justice is the guiding principle.

“Let us build a just and humane state where justice is the final word,” he said, wishing success for national legal aid initiatives.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and Director General of the National Legal Aid Services Organisation Manjurul Hasan, among others, spoke at the programme.

Panel lawyers Syed Khan of Dhaka and Nilima Biswas of Rajshahi received crests and honorary certificates from the Prime Minister for their contributions.

Besides, BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection (SELP) programme was also awarded for its role in expanding legal aid services nationwide. BRAC’s Executive Director Asif Saleh received a certificate of appreciation and a crest from the Prime Minister.