Staff Reporter: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has launched a 3-year 'Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practice for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project' with the aim of establishing a more efficient and participatory judicial system in the country. The inauguration of the project was announced at Intercontinental hotel in Dhaka. 

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anisul Haque, MP was present as the chief guest on the occasion. Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, Golam Sarwar, was the special guest. Secretary of Law and Justice Department presided over the event and Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh.

Earlier on November 16, a formal agreement (Record of Discussions) was signed between the representatives of Law and Justice Department, Economic Relations Department (ERD) and JICA for this project. The agreement highlights the commitment of all to work together towards the common goal of increasing access to justice for all citizens of Bangladesh.

Minister Anisul Haque MP said, "Today's event has opened a new chapter in our efforts. We have come up with this project to enrich and strengthen the practice of mediation and civil litigation in particular through continued collaboration with JICA. The project aims to gain experience from the Japanese legal system, where priority is given to ensuring justice for all through mediation alone. This project will be implemented for a period of 3 years with the cooperation of all partners including the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. By combining Japan's important experience and insights with our traditional approach to dispute resolution, we can enrich our justice strategy and make it more effective and participatory for all."

Under this collaborative project, JICA will work to ensure access to justice for all citizens of Bangladesh by strengthening the legal infrastructure. The primary objective of the project is to establish a rich base of justice in the country along with courts, legal aid centers and institutions associated with the judiciary. The project will ensure a legal process that is relevant and sympathetic to people's needs by emphasizing on the development of mediation and civil litigation practice.