Initiative Launched to Form SGBV ‘Case Coordination Platform’ in Pabna

To ensure swift justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) Pabna Unit organized a meeting on July 9 to propose an effective ‘Case Coordination Platform.’ The platform aims to systematically monitor ongoing SGBV cases and improve coordination among relevant justice institutions.

Chief Guest Judge Md. Noor Alam of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal praised the initiative as noble and timely. However, he noted that for judicial officers to formally join the platform, official directives from the Ministry of Law and the High Court are required. He also stressed the need to expand legal awareness campaigns to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.

Special Guest Judge Alamgir Kabir Shipon of the Children Violence Prevention Tribunal echoed these sentiments. Citing past initiatives where judges participated under High Court directives, he recommended holding regular coordination meetings until the platform is officially structured.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Rezinur Islam supported the platform, highlighting the critical need for a unified approach to track case progress.

The meeting was inaugurated by Pabna Bar Association President Advocate Khandaker Maksudur Rahman Masud. Keynote speaker Advocate Sultana Parveen emphasized that regular case tracking is essential to secure justice for victims. Attendees—including public prosecutors, medical officers, and court inspectors—welcomed the proposal and pledged their cooperation to help define the platform's future structure and scope of work.