A discussion on expanding legal aid access for marginalized communities was held at the Pabna District and Sessions Judge Conference Room on Wednesday afternoon.
Organized by the Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust (BLAST), the event was titled, "Role of Marginalized Communities in Accessing Legal Aid: Current Status and Way Forward."
Addressing the meeting as the chief guest, District Legal Aid Officer and Assistant Judge Md. Azaharul Islam emphasized the need to take legal aid services beyond the courtroom. "While the formal judicial system operates within four walls, legal aid can function freely in the community. Both government legal aid initiatives and organizations like BLAST must intensify their efforts to reach the grassroots level," he said.
Pabna District Bar Association President Advocate Masud Khandaker presided over the session, and BLAST Pabna Unit Advisor Advocate Alamgir Hossain delivered the welcome address. BLAST Staff Lawyer Advocate Saima Sultana moderated the event.
Other notable speakers included Assistant Commissioner Abhijit Roy, Assistant Superintendent of Police Shariful Islam, District Women's Affairs Deputy Director Jilal Hossain, Upazila Medical Officer Dr. Zahid Kamal, Upazila Social Services Probationary Officer Hafiz Ahmed, Women and Children Court Public Prosecutor Advocate Nazmul Haque Shaheen, and District Bar Association General Secretary Moyal Kumar Roy.
During the open forum, journalists, lawyers, and NGO representatives discussed practical steps to improve legal support for vulnerable groups. Participants included rights journalist Arif Ahmed Siddiqui, Jamuna Samaj Kalyan Samity Executive Director Monzed Ali, Pratik Protibandhi Samaj Unnayan Samity Executive Director Saifur Rahman, Chameli Rita Costa of YWC, and Advocate Aziza Tamanna Swarna.
