Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 20, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting here today observed that there is no alternative to village courts to ensure that poor and marginalized communities can resolve their disputes in less time and at lower cost.

They also mentioned that positive publicity can play an important role in further strengthening village courts.

These remarks were made at a coordination meeting held today in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, organized under the Village Court Activation (Third Phase) Project.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kazi Shahidul Islam addressed the meeting as the chief guest with Deputy Director of Local Government Md. Zakiul Islam in the chair.

District Manager of the Village Court Project Md. Lutfar Rahman moderated the discussion.

Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi, Mita Sarkar: Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Monira Khatun; Deputy Director of the District Information Office Nafeyala Nasrin; Assistant Director of District Ansar-VDP Md. Abdul Motaleb; and District Primary Education Officer AKM Anwar Hossain also spoke on the occassion. 

DC Kazi Shahidul Islam said emphasis is being placed on infrastructure development, training, awareness-raising, and regular monitoring to bolster village court activities. 
If this service reaches people’s doorsteps, the judicial process will become easier, case backlogs will decrease, and the public will receive swift justice—consistent with the government’s goal of ensuring justice.

 Zakiul Islam said minor crimes or disputes occur most frequently in rural areas. Although these fall under the jurisdiction of village courts, many people go to police stations or district courts due to lack of awareness, wasting both time and money. Raising awareness can play a vital role in this regard.

The discussions also focused on making village court activities more effective and accessible to the public through exchanges with stakeholders. 

Emphasis was placed on increasing awareness at the grassroots, simplifying access to services, and further strengthening the role of village courts in resolving disputes locally.

Speakers at the meeting said such coordination meetings will play an important role in establishing justice at the local level and increasing public confidence.