CHATTOGRAM, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - The number of cases pending before the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court has continued to rise, but the number of courts has remained unchanged at eight for the past 18 years despite the city's growing population and caseload.

Court records show that 69,071 cases are currently pending before the eight courts, up from 59,949 in 2024 and 66,249 in 2025. The backlog has therefore increased by more than 9,000 in two years.

Legal professionals and court officials said the shortage of courts is making it increasingly difficult to dispose of cases and causing prolonged hardship for litigants and lawyers.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court began functioning on November 1, 2007, following the separation of the judiciary, with seven courts. An eighth court was added in 2008. No further metropolitan magistrate court has been established since then.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police has 16 police stations, while there are only eight Metropolitan Magistrate Courts. Court officials said at least 16 courts would be more appropriate given the number of police stations and the volume of cases.

According to court records, 39,815 cases were disposed of in 2025. However, the number of new cases continued to outpace disposal. In June 2025, 5,728 new cases were filed, followed by another 5,450 in July.

Officials said several initiatives have been taken to increase the number of courts. Since 2013, multiple letters have been sent to the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs seeking additional courts.

On January 3 this year, the Chattogram Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court submitted a proposal seeking three additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Courts and 20 Metropolitan Magistrate Courts. However, no decision has yet been made on the proposal, officials said.

Tareque Ahmed, president of the Chattogram District Bar Association, said around 70,000 cases are currently pending before the metropolitan magistrate courts.

"The Bar Association has repeatedly communicated with the authorities about the issue. The shortage of courts is causing serious problems for lawyers as well as the general public," he told BSS.

He said litigants often have to wait for long periods to obtain hearing dates, while the growing backlog is making the judicial process increasingly difficult.

Md Moinuddin, general secretary of the Chattogram District Bar Association, said lawyers are also facing difficulties due to inadequate space in the court premises.

"The limited space makes it difficult for lawyers to move and perform their duties. The situation becomes worse during rain and extreme heat," he told BSS.

Md Gias Uddin Chowdhury, administrative officer of the Chattogram Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, said the number of cases is increasing every day while the number of courts has remained unchanged for 18 years.

He said the proposal for expanding the metropolitan magistracy was submitted to the Law Ministry on January 3, and the issue was also discussed with the relevant minister, but there has been no further progress.

The Chattogram District Bar Association estimates the city's population at around 50 lakh. Legal professionals and other stakeholders said the continued growth in population and litigation makes the creation of additional metropolitan magistrate courts increasingly urgent.

They warned that without prompt action, the backlog is likely to grow further, putting additional pressure on litigants, lawyers and the courts.