By Habibur Rahman

DHAKA, May 05, 2026 (BSS)-Bangladesh's judiciary is gradually moving toward a technology-driven future as a series of digital initiatives-ranging from e-bail bond management to online cause lists are being brought under a comprehensive "e-judiciary" framework.

According to legal experts, the effort reflects a broader push to modernize judicial processes, enhance transparency, and reduce the longstanding sufferings faced by litigants. The transformation, though still in progress, has already begun to reshape how courts operate, offering glimpses of a more efficient and accessible justice system.

At the centre of this transition are key digital services, including e-family courts, online case tracking, and the digitisation of marriage and divorce registration. Together, these measures aim to streamline judicial activities, reduce dependency on physical presence, and minimise procedural delays.

Supreme Court Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee highlighted that legal provisions already exist for integrating technology into judicial proceedings.

"The Chief Justice is placing special emphasis on this matter. Introducing a system for recording testimony online from doctors, investigating officers, and expert witnesses would expedite the disposal of cases," he said.
The apex court registrar general further stated that court proceedings are often prolonged due to the absence of key witnesses in person, and introducing online testimony would help eliminate this complexity and enable judges to save valuable time.

He further noted that if a comprehensive audio-visual recording system is introduced in courts, testimonies would be fully recorded and could be verified later.

"This would enhance transparency in judicial proceedings and reduce the scope for misunderstandings. It would also allow judges to devote less time to recording testimonies and more to judgment writing and legal analysis, thereby improving the quality of justice," Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee added.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman recently informed Parliament in a written reply that the "e-judiciary" project has been sent to the Planning Commission to fully digitise the judicial system, and work is underway to restructure the Development Project Proposal (DPP).

Once implemented, all judicial activities-including case filing, case tracking, cause list management, and document preservation-will be conducted digitally, reducing the sufferings of justice seekers.

Currently, the e-bail bond management system has been introduced in nine districts across the country. Through this system, bail bonds can be submitted online, saving both time and costs for lawyers, prison authorities, and litigants. There are plans to expand this system to all districts gradually.

In addition, e-family courts have been launched in two districts, where hearings and disposal of family cases are being conducted online. This has made access to justice easier and faster, particularly for women and children.

With cause lists of both subordinate and higher courts now fully available online, litigants can easily access case dates and status from home. 

Information and service centres have also been established in all Chief Judicial Magistrate courts across the country, enabling justice seekers to obtain updates on case progress with ease.

As part of efforts to digitize marriage and divorce registration, preparations are underway to launch online registration services in 102 unions across 10 districts. Once implemented, this is expected to reduce fraud and lower the number of related cases.

"Digital systems-particularly the introduction of online testimony in criminal cases-have brought about a significant change. Investigating officers and expert witnesses are now able to provide testimony more easily, resulting in faster progress of cases," said Supreme Court Bar Association Acting Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Milon.

He further said the e-bail bond and e-family court systems have made judicial processes more accessible and have benefited the general public.

However, many senior lawyers are still not fully accustomed to the online system, which remains a challenge.

According to legal experts, if the e-judiciary initiative is implemented effectively, judicial proceedings will become faster, costs will be reduced, and transparency will increase. 

On the other hand adequate technological infrastructure, training, and enhanced awareness are essential to ensure its successful implementation.