Legal aid in Thakurgaon settled 714 applications, settlement of Tk 44 lakh

MA Salam Rubel

When many people cannot reach the threshold of the court due to lack of money, the legal aid services of Thakurgaon silently stand by their side. For whom justice was once a distant dream, today the light of new hope is the dream of justice.

People suffering from various problems are thronging the Legal Aid Office located in the District Judge Court premises every day. They come here to find solutions to various problems like family quarrels, land disputes, fraud or debt complications. Victims are getting relief by getting free legal assistance through legal aid even if they cannot afford to handle the case in court. Under this government service, all expenses are being borne from the appointment of lawyers to the management of cases. As a result, poor and helpless people are now able to take shelter of the law without fear, which has brought a positive change in getting justice.

Legal Aid Offices mainly provide three types of services, free legal advice, appointment of lawyers to handle cases in court and alternative dispute resolution. Among these, alternative dispute resolution is becoming popular. In this method, the dispute is settled by negotiation between the two parties sitting outside the court. Which reduces both time and cost and also helps in maintaining relationships.

According to the information of the office, a total of 814 applications were submitted to Thakurgaon Legal Aid Office in one year from January to December 2025. Out of this 714 applications have been disposed of. At this time, the number of beneficiaries has reached 3 thousand 436 people. 225 cases have been filed. 44 lakh 49 thousand taka has been collected as a result of compromise through alternative dispute resolution. Besides, 703 persons received free legal advice. At the same time, 191 cases pending in the court were withdrawn through compromise and 8 cases were reported to have been inspected on site.

Legal Aid Committee has been formed in each union of 5 upazilas of the district to reach the doorstep of common people. In these committees, the chairman of the union council, members,Representatives of educational institutions and religious leaders have been involved. Besides, Legal Aid Officer and Civil Judge Majnu Mia held meetings and exchange meetings in various educational institutions to increase the legal awareness of students.

Beneficiary Abdul Karim said, I am a poor man. The money I earn from driving the van is enough to support the family. Courts and lawsuits have always been a matter of fear and anxiety for people like me. I never thought that even a common man can stand up to the law and get justice. Legal Aid gave me courage, gave me back my rights. Today I have not only got back the land but also my faith in law.

A woman victim of Sadar Upazila (who did not wish to disclose her name) said, I was disoriented after being tortured by my husband. Later, when I contacted the Legal Aid Office, they gave me legal assistance. Now I hope for justice.

Malek of Pirganj upazila said that there was a dispute over the land for a long time. Couldn't afford to sue. After going to Legal Aid they settled the matter. Now I am relieved.

Rafid, Shimul, Shazariar and Jannati, students of Thakurgaon Government College said, "Earlier we used to think that law and court were only for big people or influential people. But seeing the activities of Legal Aid, I now understand that ordinary people can also go to the law and get justice. After learning about these issues in school and in various meetings, awareness has increased in us and courage to speak against injustice is building.

Legal aid lawyer Lalit Kumar Roy said that many poor and helpless people are now getting free legal aid through legal aid program, which has made the path of justice easier for them. Especially through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method, cases are being resolved in a faster time. On the one hand, the pressure on the courts is reduced, on the other hand, common people are getting justice at less cost and in less time.

In this regard, Legal Aid Officer and Senior Assistant Judge Majnu Mia said, we are mainly working to bring the poor and helpless people under free legal aid. If someone gets involved in a case and is financially unable to handle the case, the case is handled by government appointing a lawyer. Land disputes,We deal with family issues like dowry and maintenance and negotiable criminal cases. It provides quick solutions and people benefit too.

Along with the success, this official also pointed out some limitations. He said, we do not have any specific vehicle for transportation. Besides, there is a shortage of manpower. Still we are trying to settle the dispute by going to the ground. If manpower and transport shortages can be overcome,Then we can reach more people.