Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman addressed the inauguration ceremony of the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today said paralegals' role goes beyond profession as it's an important public service responsibility.

"Paralegals are playing a vital role in ensuring access to justice by taking legal rights awareness and legal services to people's doorsteps," he said while addressing as the chief guest the inauguration ceremony of the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual at a city hotel this 
afternoon.

The manual was jointly developed by the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid (DBLA) and Friendship, a social purpose organisation.

The law minister said he had worked as a paralegal to raise legal awareness among marginalised communities even before becoming a lawyer. As a result, he has first-hand experience of the role and importance of paralegals.

"Paralegals play a crucial role in raising awareness about people's rights and delivering essential legal information and services to those in needs. 

The initiatives being implemented by Friendship to raise rights awareness among marginalised communities are among the country's finest. Such initiatives are making a significant contribution to ensuring people's access to justice," he added.

The function was chaired by Friendship founder and executive Director Runa Khan. Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Khadem Ul Kayes, Director General of the DBLA Md Monjurul Hossain, and Friendship Senior Director and Head of the Inclusive Citizenship Department Ayesha Tasin Khan also spoke at the event.

The programme was told that the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual has been developed to enhance the skills of grassroots-level paralegals, expand legal awareness, and ensure people's access to justice. 

The manual will serve as a practical training guide for paralegals working at the field level.