Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 21, 2026 (BSS)- Even before dawn breaks the capital’s court premises come alive with the footsteps of justice seekers. The corridors of old buildings, spaces in front of courtrooms, stairways and open courtyards are filled with people waiting patiently.

 Some are plaintiffs, some defendants, while others are witnesses. Many come for bail for their loved ones, some attend hearings over land disputes, and others wait to learn the next date of cases that already elapsed many years.

For people arriving from different districts of the country, a day at the court often means a long period of uncertainty. 

Hours pass without knowing when their names will be called, when their hearings will take place or when they will get the chance to meet their lawyers. For years, much of the waiting time was spent standing in corridors, sitting on stairs or seeking shelter from the scorching sun.

However, amid this familiar picture, a remarkable addition has emerged at the premises of Dhaka District and Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court.

‘Nyaykunja’- a resting place for justice-seekers, reflects its purpose. It’s a place of comfort for the people who come in the court to get justice.

The foundation stone of Nyaykunja was laid on July 13, 2023, by then Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique. It was later inaugurated on November 26, 2024, by the then Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Helal Uddin.
 
Over time, it has become a familiar and necessary space for justice seekers, lawyers, journalists and others associated with the court.

Located between the old building of the Dhaka District and Sessions Judge’s Court and the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, Nyaykunja welcomes visitors with a clean and well-maintained environment. 

It has 23 steel sofas with seating capacity for 69 people at a time. Facilities such as purified drinking water, CCTV cameras, adequate lighting and fans have created a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the visitors.

The tiled floor, spacious walkways and planned seating arrangement have added a distinct appeal to the place.

One of the most humane features of Nyaykunja is its breastfeeding corner. Many women have to spend long hours in the court premises with their infants. The corner allows them to breastfeed their children in a private and secure environment. A supply of purified water and a steel mug have also been arranged nearby. 

Such an initiative in a busy court environment has become a source of relief for many female litigants.

At different times of the day, some can be seen waiting with case documents in hand, some talking with their family members, while some others take rest closing their eyes for a moment to overcome the fatigue of a long journey.

The value of this change is clearly reflected in the words of 60-year-old Zahid Mia, who came to the court to testify in a case. 

“Earlier, we were asked to leave if we sat on the stairs. Sometimes we had wait under open sky braving heat of the Sun, and sometimes we had to search for a shade in the corridors. Today, I was able to take a seat on a chair and drink water. This chair is very valuable to me,” he said.

Justice seeker Samia Jahan shared a similar experience. Coming to the court with a child had always been an additional challenge for her.

“Earlier, I used to find a corner in a corridor with my child. It was difficult even to feed her. Now I can relax at Nyaykunja and feed my daughter without any worry. 

For the first time I have found a little peaceful place in the court area,” she said.

Not only justice seekers, but lawyers also find Nyaykunja a useful working space. Amid their busy schedules, lawyers often need a quiet environment to discuss case matters with clients, review documents and talk about case strategies and Nyaykunja is fulfilling that need.

General Secretary of the Dhaka Bar Association Kalam Khan said, “For years, our clients had to wait standing in corridors. Nyaykunja has eased much of their suffering.

 However, people would be benefited further if a help desk and a system for displaying the cause list could be displayed here.”

For journalists covering court affairs, Nyaykunja has also become an important place. Journalist Ashikuzzaman Ashik said, the workload in the court premises is immense. Now we can sit here to verify information, prepare notes and discuss matters with colleagues. 

It also gives us an opportunity to hear different stories and experiences of the people waiting here.”

The gate of Nyaykunja opens every day at 8:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm. Cleaner Masum Das said that justice seekers start arriving there from the very morning.

“We try to keep everything in proper condition, including water and fans. People become happy when they can simply find a place to sit,” he said.

For ordinary people, the court is often a place associated with anxiety, uncertainty and long waiting. 

Nyaykunja does not change the verdict of a case, nor does it accelerate the judicial process. But for those waiting for justice, it has brought a little comfort, a little dignity and a touch of humanity. 

That is why, in the bustling court premises Nyaykunja is not just a structure- but a ‘solace’ for the justice seekers on the court premises.