In a landmark step toward digitizing Bangladesh's judicial system, the government is set to launch an online bail order system from October 15, aiming to reduce harassment and delay for justice seekers.
Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced the initiative on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Attorney General’s Office Internship Program at the Supreme Court auditorium. He stated that once bail is granted by the court, the order will be sent directly to the relevant prison with a single click, eliminating the need for the accused to navigate through 12 bureaucratic steps traditionally involved in the bail process.
“This digital process will significantly ease the bail procedure,” said Dr. Nazrul. “Until now, an individual had to pass through 12 steps—often involving bribes, repeated visits, and severe harassment. From tomorrow, that will no longer be necessary.”
The online bail system is being implemented under a government-funded project, with no foreign assistance, and marks a new chapter in digital judicial reform, according to Dr. Nazrul. He emphasized the state’s financial capacity, citing the presence of significant unused funds in sectors like the Probashi Kallyan Bank and the Registrar Office.
The event was presided over by Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, with additional remarks from Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rauf and Barrister Anik R Haque. They highlighted the initiative as a milestone in the digitization of the justice system, which will speed up case handling and greatly reduce public suffering.
Legal experts have also welcomed the move, calling it a revolutionary step that will help reduce court delays, ensure transparency, and facilitate quicker release of prisoners.
According to government officials, this is part of a broader plan to digitize all court operations, including online case tracking, digital evidence submission, judgment archiving, and expanding video conferencing for hearings.
Dr. Nazrul also hinted at major legal reforms ahead, including the formation of a separate judiciary secretariat and the enactment of laws on enforced disappearances, anti-corruption, and human rights during the tenure of the current interim government.
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