Interim government Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul has cautioned that excessive or rushed reforms could weaken the country’s institutional framework. He said any reform process must move forward gradually to avoid harming the structure of the state.
He made the remarks on Monday at the inauguration of the e-Family Court system at the Dhaka Metropolitan Court. The event was held at the Jagannath-Sohel Memorial Auditorium, where Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, lawyers and other officials were also present.
Asif Nazrul said the country must aim for reform, but such steps should be grounded in practical considerations. He noted that although many reforms have not been achieved, there is hope that a new government will continue these initiatives. Without continuity, he warned, such efforts may fade.
He pointed out that all major changes and reforms in Bangladesh have come through legal processes. In family disputes, people no longer need to appear in court, as free services are available through Legal Aid. The new system involves three judges instead of one.
Speaking about the Ministry of Law’s reform efforts, he said the ministry has implemented changes in 21 areas. But these reforms will not last unless lawyers and all relevant stakeholders participate and maintain consistency.
Addressing concerns, he said some people think technology will reduce the number of cases, but that is not accurate. Instead, technology will allow lawyers to provide more services.
According to information on the new e-Family Court system, it is expected to resolve long standing issues such as delays, high costs, distance barriers, paper based record handling, time wasting and courtroom crowding. The new service will offer a faster online process, lower costs, remote access from home, digital records, 24/7 registration and online scheduling.
