Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman emphasized that mediation should be the preferred method for resolving all types of disputes, with the exception of cognizable offences. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day 'Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals,' he underscored the government's commitment to mediation as a means to ensure justice for the poor, displaced, and disadvantaged. The training, part of the 'Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practices for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project,' was jointly implemented by the Law and Justice Division and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Mediation as a Win-Win Solution
Describing mediation as a win-win solution, the minister urged legal aid officers and mediators to apply their judicious minds in resolving disputes. He highlighted that successful implementation of mediation could significantly reduce the backlog in courts, where the number of pending cases exceeds 4.5 million.
Advanced Training and Incentives
Md Asaduzzaman announced that the best-performing mediators will have the opportunity to receive advanced training in Japan each year. One male and one female mediator will be selected for this incentive, which he believes will encourage mediators to perform at their best. The training was led by Professor Masako Miyatake of Keio University Law School, Japan.
Special Guests and Participants
The event was attended by JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Junko Takahashi, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department (ICD) of Japan's Ministry of Justice Kazunori Nose, and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain. The programme was chaired by Project Director and Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Md Khademul Quayes. A total of 40 participants, including District Legal Aid Officers and lawyers from District Judge Courts across the country, took part in the intensive two-day training.
