A daylong training workshop titled “Formulating an Integrated Plan to Enhance Public Awareness on Village Courts” was held in Narayanganj with the participation of government and non-government representatives, including journalists.
The workshop took place on Tuesday (2 December) at 11 am in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. It was presided over by Naeema Islam, Acting Deputy Director of the Local Government Branch, Narayanganj. Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the workshop.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Tarik Al Mehedi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, and Dr. A.K.M. Mehedi Hasan, Medical Officer of the Civil Surgeon’s Office, were present as special guests.
Speakers at the event included Asaduzzaman, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services; Kamruzzaman Roman, District Information Officer; Senior Assistant Commissioner T.M. Rahsin Kabir; Hasina Momtaz, Deputy Director of the Youth Development Department; and Assistant Education Officer Shafiqul Islam, among others.
In his speech, Chief Guest Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir said that an effective village court system helps minimize bias and ensures proper justice.
“When the judicial process is not followed correctly, complaints of partiality arise,” he said. “People go to the police station for minor issues, even though many of these can be resolved through village courts. The UP Chairman functions as the judge of the village court, and in his absence, a competent member can act as judge. Public awareness on this system must be enhanced. A village court can issue judgments involving financial matters up to Tk 3 lakh.”
The workshop was moderated by Firoza Begum Jhumur, District Village Court Manager.
Among others present were Arif Mihir, Chairman of Green for Peace; Pradeep Kumar Das, Chairman of Probhat Social Welfare Organization; Mostak Ahmed Shawon, District Correspondent of Daily Alokito Bangladesh; Md. Shahidullah Rasel, President of Narayanganj District Reporters’ Unity; Sharif Sumon, Editor of News Narayanganj; Azmir Islam, District Correspondent of Mohona TV; Sonia Dewan Preeti, Editor of Dhaka News; Anisul Haque Hira, Editor of Ajker Nur Banglar Barta; and journalist Jahangir Hossain, along with representatives of various NGOs and institutions.
