News Updates

8th PIC meeting of Village Courts project held

The 8th Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting of Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) Project held on 29th August 2013 in the Conference Room of Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C. Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, NPD of Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C presided over the meeting. Mr. Sarder Md. Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project updated the PIC members about the progress of the activities including updates from the last PIC meeting. The meeting reviewed and finalized the nominations received from field for awarding the best performing UPs on village courts operations. Besides, revised annual work plan for 2013 has been endorsed by the meeting. The meeting also approved the field organogram proposed for the Research and Process Development interventions of the project in two upazilas covering 12 UPs in Sylhet and Pirojpur district. In addition, they provided valuable advice to make effective awareness and advocacy campaign for village court activation.

Among others, Mr. Abu Tahir Md. Zaber, Deputy Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C, Md. Abdur Rouf, Deputy Chief, LGD, Md. Wahid Hossain, Assistant Director, IMED, Hussain Ahmed, Senior Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Division, Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Secretary, Law and Justice Division, Abu Usuf Md. Rasel, Assistant Chief, ERD and Mr. Salahuddin Khan, Programme Analyst UNDP attended the meeting.

Workshop on gender, human rights and village courts

Rajbari district administration with the assistance of Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized day-long training workshop on Gender, Human Rights and Village Courts for the GoB officials and pertinent stakeholders on 30 July 2013 at DC’s Conference Room, Rajbari.

The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes of the participants on gender, discrimination against women, women’s empowerment and village courts trial process to pave the way for establishing a gender-friendly, responsive local justice system. It also aimed broaden ownership among the women stakeholders, UPs and relevant government agencies at local level in the efforts of activating village courts.

Mr Hasanuzzaman Kollol, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rajbari inaugurated the event as Chief Guest while ADC (General) and ADC (Revenue), Rajbari attended as Special Guest and Mr. Bipul Chandra Biswash, Deputy Director, Local Government, Rajbari presided over the inaugural session. Mr. Pabitra Chandra, Rajbari District Facilitator, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project delivered the welcome speech.

The above government officials also conducted business sessions and Mr. Anamul Haque, Training Associate, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project joined them. The participants of the event included UNOs, judicial officer, executive magistrate, police officer, upazila women and children affairs officers, representatives of Jatiya Mohila Sagstha, Women Forum, UP female members, advocate, UP Chairmen, journalist etc. The participants, at the end, jointly prepared “Rajbari Commitment on Gender Mainstreaming” at VC and UP activities which was declared by the Deputy Commissioner, Rajbari.

Gender, human rights and village courts

The Faridpur district administration with the assistance of Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized a day long training workshop on 'Gender, Human Rights and Village Courts' on 17 July 2013 at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner.

Mr. Mainuddin Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Faridpur inaugurated the workshop as the Chief Guest while Mr. Bijoy Basak, Additional Police Superintendent of Faridpur was present as Special Guest and Mr. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Deputy Director of Local Government, Faridpur presided over the session.

The chief guest said, the judicial system is currently over burdened with pending cases, thus delaying justice. Village court can ease this burden by providing justice to the rural people. “Without ensuring the participation of women in mainstream development activities for removing the discrimination between men and women the real progress of the country cannot be achieved because women folk constitute fifty percent of the total population,” he added.

Mr. Anamul Haque Khasru, Training Associate of AVCB project, UNDP conducted the main session at the training workshop which highlighted the details of 'gender discrimination, human rights situation and village courts status in our country’.

He pointed out, since the introduction of village courts in six upazillas of Faridpur so far 4,114 cases have been resolved out of 4,282 registered cases. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Deputy Director of Local Government, Faridpur through a PowerPoint presentation shared the details of Village Court Rules 1976, the Act, 2006 and the necessity of gender mainstreaming in village courts. Roughly 67 participants including UNOs, UP Chairmen, members, lawyers, journalists, NGO representatives and civil society members were present at the workshop.

Village courts training session held at Patuakhali

The Patuakhali district administration organized a day-long training session on Village Courts Operation, with the technical support of the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) Project. The event, held on 17 June, 2013 at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of the UP Chairmen and Secretaries to enable them to run Village Courts with proper documentation.

All the 70 UP Chairmen and 70 Secretaries under Patuakhali district attended the event. This is the first capacity building event on Village Court solely initiated by a district administration from its own resources. AVCB Project extended technical support upon the district administration’s request. In the inaugural session, the Divisional Commissioner of Barisal and Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Patuakhali expressed thanks to the AVCB Project for sparing technical support while the Divisional Commissioner showed his keen interest to organize a similar training in all the UPs under his division, and sought technical support from the AVCB Project. This government-led initiative with on-request technical support from AVCB Project demonstrates the demand to scale up the project in the possible new phase. This initiative also reflects the multiplier effect of the EU-UNDP funded Village Courts Project.

In addition to the inaugural speeches by Md. Nurul Amin, Divisional Commissioner, Barisal as the Chief Guest and Mr. Amitavh Sarker, DC, Patukhali as the Chair, the technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Nazrul Islam, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Patuakhali, Mr. Sirazul Haq, M&E Officer and Mr. Anamul Haque, Training Associate of the AVCB Project. The training session included a sixty-minute video learning aid “Amader Gram Adalot” and a drama “Shanteer Gram” which covered the Village Court Act 2006, Rules, trial and documentation process and its operational steps.

Justice for all - Maya Barolo

When Jahanara Begum’s sons stole mangoes from a neighbour’s garden, what should have been a petty incident of children’s mischief, escalated into a violent confrontation between Jahanara and her neighbour Babul Mia. Angry at Jahanara, Babul Mia assaulted her and injured her eye, for which she required expensive medical treatment.

Standing between Jahanara and the compensation she deserved were high costs, unscrupulous lawyers and touts, long waits in a labyrinth of government offices, expensive travel to distant district courts and complicated legal procedures beyond the understanding of most ordinary citizens. As a subsistence farmer, with a monthly income of less than $170 for her family of five, Jahanara could hardly afford the time and money required to hire a lawyer to take the case to the district court.

For the poor, minor medical treatment and surgeries are often considered ‘catastrophic health events’ because the costs can set a family back by a generation, result in the children being pulled out of school, and destroy coping capacity against future setbacks.

As reported by The Daily Star with 2.3 million cases pending in the courts, and a ten to fifteen year backlog, the wait for justice can be a long one. And in Narayanpur village of Rajbari district, far from the capital and government offices, recourse to the law may simply be too far to reach.

Jahanara escaped the circuitous and lengthy legal proceedings and was able to file her case in the Village Court of her local Union Parishad (UP).

Village Courts, an initiative adopted by the Bangladesh government with support from the United Nations Development Programme and funding from the EU,have reduced the time, expenses and hassle that plaintiffs often associate with the conventional courts system.

The village court panel, composed of local community members nominated by both Jahanara and Babul Mia and headed by the UP chairman (an elected representative), found Babul Mia guilty and asked him to pay Jahanara’s medical costs and apologize. Despite several delays, the court was able to implement the decision within the stipulated 30 day period.

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project supports the Local Government Division (LGD) of the Government of Bangladesh in setting up, activating and promoting village courts across the country.

Since 2010, more than 32,000 cases like that of Jahanara’s have been reported to village courts in 338 UPs across the country. Almost 25,000 cases have been resolved, of which approximately 2,000 were referred back from the district courts, thereby reducing the burden on the higher courts.

The UP chairman in Jahanara’s district said that, “sixteen cases were referred from the District Court, some came after two years of registering in the District Court. However, it took only three weeks to resolve these matters, although they had already spent Tk. 80,000-100,000 in the district.”

According to Evaluating Village Court Performance at Beneficiaries End, nearly 70 percent of village courts beneficiaries – both petitioners and respondents – expressed satisfaction with their experience. Even the respondents who had to pay compensation to the petitioner, realized that though they lost the case, they would have had to spend far more money and time, and face many bureaucratic hassles, had the case been at the district court.

Village courts have also been able to restore broken social ties, which underpin village life in tight-knit rural communities, and have created a sense of safety and security. A UNDP study on the evaluation of village courts from the beneficiaries’ perspective found that More than two-thirds of beneficiaries reported that social problems and petty crimes occur less frequently due to the presence of village courts in their community.

As the Honourable State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Jahangir Kabir Nanok, noted, “The main aim of the court is to take a decision in a way so that it ensures coexistence and mutual understanding between the protestant and the complainant to avoid further clash or dispute.”

The project’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who, at the inauguration of the Village Courts Conference in 2012 hosted by the project, called upon, “public representatives [to] make village courts operational.”

The Prime Minister’s endorsement generated widespread interest in this courts system and increased the sense of ownership from the national down to the local level. As the European Union Ambassador H.E. William Hanna said, “village courts are shaped by the communities in which they belong,” and the sense of pride and vested interest in these communities is the driving force behind their success.

By empowering citizens to resolve their disputes at the local level, in an affordable, transparent and efficient manner, the village courts system is not only increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged and marginalized segments of society, but also reducing the huge case backlog in the higher courts.

The benefits of village courts are manifold.

Not only are cases heard locally, reducing or even completely eliminating travel costs and absence from work for both the petitioner and the respondent, but given the grassroots nature of the courts, they are able to issue the summons, carry out the investigation, reach a decision and implement a verdict with a speed and efficiency that the cumbersome legal processes of the higher courts do not allow.

An average of 28 days is required for the resolution of a case and in most instances the petitioner pays only a Tk. 2 court fee for criminal cases and Tk. 4 for civil cases. In a country in which the wait for justice can be painfully slow and prohibitively expensive for society’s most vulnerable, village courts may be the way forward.

There are many examples of successful village courts or local justice systems around the world, but as the AVCB Project Manager Sarder M. Asaduzzaman points out, “Bangladesh is unique in that the Village Courts Act 2006 allows people’s participation in the decision-making process. There are no fixed village courts magistrates here. It’s a restorative form of justice system within the local government structure.”

Speaking of her experience, Jahanara said that, “I did not need to go to a distant place. I did not need too much money. I got a fair judgment. And it took a short time. Without the village courts, I would have had to spend money on lawyers, travel to the district headquarters and wait years for justice just for a few mangoes.”

Cabinet approves Village Court (amendment) Act 2013

The Cabinet finally approved the draft of ‘Village Court (amendment) Act 2013’ on May 27, 2013. The draft Act was approved in principle by the Cabinet on October 22, 2012 and the vetting was done by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD), MoLJ&PA on March 03, 2013.

This is one of the key achievements of the ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project’ which follows extensive advocacy endeavors. The amendment proposal was made following several national and local level consultations i.e. comprehensive policy advocacy efforts. After this amendment, the Village Courts will be more compatible to offer justice services at rural level in a very efficient manner.

The amendment includes increasing financial jurisdiction of Village Courts from BDT 25000.00 to 75000.00. One of the salient inclusions in this amendment is the provision of a compulsory woman representative in the five member panel of Village Courts. The amendment also made a provision of a fine of BDT 2000.00 for filing false cases and BDT 1000.00 for showing disrespect to the Village Courts.

The amendment already created a buzz amongst the UP Chairmen and other key actors as it was a long awaited demand from all corners in order to empower the Village Courts Act to effectively activate Village Courts.

The Project had the 7th PIC meeting

The 7th Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting of Village Courts Project was held on April 25, 2013  at Conference Room of Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C. Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, NPD of Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C presided over the meeting. Mr. Sarder Md. Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project updated the PIC members about the progress of the activities including updates from the last PIC meeting. Mid Term Review Report on AVCB project was shared in the meeting. Besides, the meeting discussed on 1 year no-cost extension budget, engagement of partner NGOs, replacement of one UP (Rangpur) for decentralized M & E piloting, endorsement of the Annual Work Plan of 2013, appointment of District Facilitators and their office accommodation and financial management. Meanwhile, the members of PIC appreciated the on-going progress of the project activities.

Among others, Ms. Shamima Nargis, Joint Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C, Mr. Abu Tahir Md. Zaber, Deputy Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C, Mr. M A Awal, Senior Assistant Secretary (Additional District Judge), Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Md. Mohsin Ali Khandaker, Joint Chief (PPH-1), Planning Commission, Md. Jasim Uddin, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Md Wahid Hossain, Assistant Director, IMED, Ms. Young Hong, Assistant Country Director, UNDP and Mr. Salahuddin Khan, Programme Analyst UNDP attended the meeting.

4th Project Reflection Workshop held in Dhaka

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized the 4th Project Reflection Workshop in Dhaka on 24-25 March, 2013. Along with selected participants of 4 partner NGOs (MLAA, ESDO, BLAST & WAVE Foundation), the one and half day long Workshop was enriched with the presence of Mr. K. M. Mozammel Hoq, National Project Director and Additional Secretary, Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C as Chief Guest. Besides, Mr. Swapan Kumar Sarker, Director General, Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation (MIE) Wing of LGD, Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Deputy Secretary, LGD and Mr. Salahuddin Khan, Programme Analyst, UNDP were present as Special Guests. Overall program was facilitated by Sarder M. Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project. 

To strengthen common understanding about quality outputs, share limitations, successes, challenges and facilitate synergy across the stakeholders (Project team, NGOs, GOB & UNDP) was the key objectives of PRW-4. Following the inaugural speech by the guests, partners shared their presentations highlighting the progress after PRW-3. Presentations were analyzed with different questions and answer by the participants. Attending a group work on the possible no-cost extension from December 2013 to December 2014, participants raised their recommendation for smooth functioning of 350 Village Courts until launching of the planned new phase in 2015. On the other hand, project team shared their field observations to overcome the lacking on Administrative, Financial as well as Programmatic point of view. In his concluding remarks Mr. K. M. Mozammel Hoq, National Project Director and Additional Secretary, Local Government Division, mentioned that, ‘Village Courts are an integral part of local government system. It is correlated with the commitment of Millennium Development Goal. Without building relationship with District Judiciary and Administration, Village Courts cannot be successful. Hence, partners are advised to seek support from the concerned government bodies to activate village courts. In case of removing barriers, Partners should seek assistance from the AVCB project for necessary intervention by the Ministry. Besides, PRW-4 came out with some basic recommendations on Certificate cases, IEC materials, capacity development, VCMC operation, role of the District Facilitators etc.

District Workshop on Village Courts Held in Cox’s Bazar

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh organized a district workshop titled “strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders in activating Village Courts” on December 29, 2012 at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Room in Cox’s Bazar. The project arranged this workshop aiming to sensitize the local stakeholders acquainted with the VCs in endeavors to contribute in activating village courts.

Mr. Khandaker Zahirul Islam, Acting Deputy Director (LG) and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Cox’s Bazar graced the workshop as the Chief Guest while Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Senior Assistant Secretary, Local Government Division (LGD), MoLGRD&C, Mr. Chatradhar Tripura, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police, Cox’s Bazar and Mr. SM Shah Habibur Rahman Hakim, Additional District Magistrate, Cox’s Bazar were present as Special Guests.

Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Senior Assistant Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C discussed the ‘LGD’s expectations to the Field Administration in activating Village Courts’ and devised strategic approaches from GoB initiatives so that justice facilities to the rural people are increased in an affordable manner through the Village Courts.

Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentations at the workshop. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts in country perspectives, needs and potential of VCs and how the stakeholders can have an effective role in advancing VCs at union level. The stakeholders took part in group discussions and presented their opinions on the ways of enhancing their involvement and contribution to advance the village courts.

In total 65 participants including UP Chairmen, UP members and secretaries, officials of BAR Association, other lawyers, teachers, NGO representatives attended the workshop. The workshop was also attended by senior and mid-level government officials, UNOs, ADCs, NDC, DD of Islamic Foundation, District Information Officer, district women and children affairs officer, District Primary Education Officer, women representatives, media etc. The event got notable coverage in the electronic media.

Village Courts Project’s Stall in LGED’s Victory Day Fair 2012

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project took part in LGED’s Victory Day Fair by having a resourceful and decorative stall at the LGED premises in Agargoan. The Fair was organized by LGED from December 15 to 17, 2012. Mr. Jahangir Kabir Nanak, State Minister for MoLGRD&C inaugurated the fair and Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Minister, Ministry of Finance concluded the fair.

The stall of Village Courts at LGED was particularly well received from all the visitors including policy makers for its resourceful materials, audio-visual productions and aesthetic beauty of the stall decoration. The stall was visited by the ministers, Secretary of LGD, National Project Director and Project Manager of AVCB project and other dignitaries.

EU Ambassador Applauds Village Courts

Ambassador and Head of Delegations of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Mr. William Hanna highly appreciated the ongoing activities of the Village Courts in bringing justice to the doorsteps of the rural people while visiting Bhangni Union Parishad of Mithapukur Upazila in Rangpur District on October 4, 2012. He expressed these feelings while observing an on-going trial session of a Village Court.
 
The EU Ambassador had also a fruitful meeting with the Divisional Commissioner of Rangpur Division, Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur District and Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Mithapukur Upazila about the on-going activities of the Village Courts Project. They informed him how people are getting justice service at a low cost and in a short period of time which substantially contributes in reducing the backlog of cases in the higher courts. He also visited Bhangni Union Parishad and had discussions with UP Chairman Mr. Tazul Islam Sarker, UP members, panel members of the Village Court and shared views with beneficiaries.

Later on, Mr. Hanna observed a court yard meeting at Koshba Noorpur village of the same union and talked to the participants who expressed their satisfaction and services with the functions of village courts in ensuring affordable justice fairly without facing any hassles.

Mrs. Hanna, Mr. Luc Patzelt, Programme Manager, EU Delegation, Ms. Young Hong, Assistant Country Director of UNDP, Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project accompanied the EU Ambassador during the visit.

Ambassador and Head of Delegations of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Mr. William Hanna visiting a Court Yard Meeting on Village Courts in Rangpur.

UNDP Country Director Visits Village Courts in Kishoreganj

Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh spoke on the profound importance of Village Courts in delivering justice services at the rural level especially for the disadvantaged people, while visiting Masua and Achmita Union Parishads of Kotiadi Upazila in Kishoreganj on 27 September 2012.

The Country Director shared views with the beneficiaries, who expressed their feelings commenting that if they lodged their cases to higher courts it would have been unaffordable and taken too long where else they received  justice through Village Courts at a minimal price and in speedy time. He also talked to the respective UP Chairman, Members and other officials.  The UP Chairman updated him about the current Village Courts case statistics of the Union Pasrishad, moreover he informed him about the ratio of the resolved cases in Masua UP, which is higher than other UPs in Kotiadi Upazila.

The Country Director also observed a Village Court session at Masua UP and a Court Yard Meeting on VC at Achmita UP. He shared views with the participants of the Court Yard Meeting on the services of Village Courts.

Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB and other UNDP and project officials accompanied the CD during his visit.

Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh at a village court in Masua UP.

Village Courts Workshop Held in Rajbari

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized a workshop titled on “strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders in activating Village Courts” on September 17, 2012 at Rajbari. The project arranged this workshop aiming to sensitize the local stakeholders acquainted with the VCs in endeavors to contribute in activating village courts.

Syeda Shahana Bari, Deputy Commissioner, Rajbari graced the workshop as Chief Guest while Mr. Md. Aminul Islam, Deputy Director, Local Government, Rajbari attended as Special Guest. Among others, Mr. Md. Fazlul Haque, ADC, Mr. Imdadul Haque Biswas, Rajbari sadar Upazila chairman spoke at the workshop.

The Deputy Commissioner said that Village Courts are running very smoothly at Rajbari and now it needs to have stakeholders’ utmost support from all corners. She also opined that village courts have all potentials strengthening local justice system through ensuing fair justice.

Mr. Md. Aminul Islam, Deputy Director, Local Government, Rajbari and Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentations at the workshop. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts in country perspectives, needs and potential of VCs and how the stakeholders can have effective role in advancing VCs at union level. The stakeholders took part in group discussions and presented their opinions on the ways of enhancing their involvement and contribution to advance the village courts.

In total 59 participants including UP Chairmen, UP members and secretaries, President of BAR Association, PP and other lawyers, CEO, Zilla Perished, teachers, NGO representatives, media attended at the workshop. The workshop was also attended by senior and mid-level government officials, UNOs, ADCs, DDLG, NDC, DD of Islamic Foundation, District Information Officer, women representatives, etc

Guests at the VC workshop in Rajbari including the Deputy Commissioner of Rajbari

District Workshop on Village Courts held in Chittagong

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a district workshop titled on “strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders in activating Village Courts” on August 27, 2012 at Circuit House Conference Room in Chittagong.

Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C graced the workshop as the chief guest while Md. Shamsul Alam Chowdhury, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Development), Chittagong spoke the workshop as Special Guest. Mr. Mr. Ehsan E Elahi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) chaired the event. Among others, Mr. Khaled Mamun Chowdhury, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Director (LG), Chittagong, Mr. Mohammed Shahidul Alam, Additional District Magistrate, Chittagong, Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, PM, AVCB, UNDP spoke at the workshop.

The National Project Director said that village courts can only be effective when all the stakeholders extend their utmost support as it needs to establish social trust on VC from all corners of community. He also opined that village courts have all potentials strengthening local justice system through ensuing fair justice. He requested the UP Chairmen for conducting the activities of Village Courts following the pertinent law.

In total 92 participants including Upazila Chairman, UP Chairmen, UP members and secretaries, President of BAR Association, PP, GP and other lawyers, teachers, ASPs, NGO representatives attended at the workshop. The workshop was also attended by senior and mid-level government officials, UNOs, ADCs, NDC, DD of Islamic Foundation, District Information Officer, district women and children affairs officer, women representatives, media etc.

Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD is seen in the workshop  along with other guests at Chittagong.

Orientation Workshop on Village Courts Management Committee Held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized an orientation workshop on Village Courts Management Committee (VCMC) at Long Beach Hotel, Cox’s Bazar, on 28 August, 2012. The objective of the orientation workshop was to orient the DCs, DDLGs and UNOs on the functions, potentials and responsibilities of VCMC. Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C and National Project Director of AVCB was present as the Chief Guest at the orientation program while Mr. Md. Sayed Nurul Basir, ADC (General), Cox’s Bazar and Mr. Sadar M Asaduzzaman, PM, AVCB Project spoke as special guests at the event.

The orientation workshop informed the participants about the purposes of VCMC and its potential effective actions, which would be instrumental for strengthening the activation process of Village Courts at the rural level. A Total 18 participants including UNO, DDLG, ADC, PNGO (partner NGO) staff attended in the orientation program. Md. Sirazul Haq and Md. Fazle Karim, M&E Officers of the AVCB Project made the key presentations on VCMC.

Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project Additional Secretary, LGD is seen in the workshop along with other guests at Cox's Bazar.

Workshop on Village Courts held in Chuadanga

With continuous efforts to sensitize key stakeholders of activating village courts, the project tilted ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh’ organized a district workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders on Village Courts on July 31, 2012 at Deputy Commissioner's Conference Room, Chuadanga. Aiming to involve the field level high and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders with the process of implementing the project activities, the project organized this workshop

Mr. Bhola Nath Dey, Deputy Commissioner, Chuadanga graced the workshop as the chief guest while Mr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed, Superintendent of Police (acting) of the same district was present as special guest.

The chief guest said that, these workshops will really escalate the pace of progress in line with activating Village Courts with sensitizing the field level officials and other stakeholders. He assured all necessary cooperation in implementing the project activities properly. The participants of the workshops took part in group discussions and presented their suggestions on various topics regarding activation of VC activities. 

Mr. Mollik Sayeed Mahboob, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Director of Local Government, Chuadanga discussed various aspects of ‘Village courts Act 2006’ while Mr. Mokhlesur Rahman, Additional District Magistrate, Chuadanga summed up of the workshop. Mr. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCP, UNDP gave a presentation on potential and effective ways of involving stakeholders in line with activating Village Courts.

The workshop was also attended by senior and mid-level government officials, local representatives i.e., ASPs, UNOs, ADCs, NDC, AC (Land), DD of Islamic Foundation, Upazila Chairman, CEO, Zilla Parishad, UP Chairmen, NGOs, lawyers, women representatives, media etc. In total, 72 participants attended the event.

Deputy Commissioner of Chuadanga delivering speech at the workshop

District workshop on Village Courts held at Pirojpur

In the continuous endeavor to sensitize and involve key stakeholders for activating village courts, the project tilted ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh’ organized a district workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of relevant stakeholders on Village Courts on July 15, 2012 at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Room, Pirojpur. The workshop was organized to involve field level and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders with the process of implementing the project activities through informing them about the potential of activating village courts.

Mr. Anal Chhandra Das, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Pirojpur graced the workshop as the chief guest while Mr. SM Aktaruzzaman, Superintendent of Police of the same district was present as the special guest.

The DC said, “this is a commendable initiative from the project to come up with grassroot level interactions which will escalate the pace of the progress in line with activating village courts”. He also assured all necessary cooperation in implementing the project activities. The participants of the workshops took part in group discussions and presented their suggestions on ways of activating village courts. 

Mr. Md. Ismail Hossain, Additional District Magistrate, Pirojpur discussed various aspects of the Village Courts Act 2006 while Mr. Yah Yah Khan, Deputy Director of Local Government, Pirojpur summed up of the workshop. Mr. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCP, UNDP presented on the potential and effective ways of involvement of stakeholders with regard to activating village courts at the UP level.

The workshop was also attended by senior and mid-level government officials, local representatives i.e., ADM, UNOs, ADCs, DDLG, NDC, AC (Land), DD of Islamic Foundation, UP Chairmen, NGOs, lawyers, women representatives, media etc. Many participants said the workshops were very effective and timely as they learnt about the procedure and jurisdiction of VCs along with other necessary information. In total 66 participants attended the workshop.

Deputy Commissioner, Pirojpur delivering his speech as chief guest at Workshop on Village Courts.

“Make village courts functional all over the country” – Prime Minister

The Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed making Village Courts functional all over the country widening justice services to rural people in an affordable and easy manner. ‘The government is considering appointing a judicial assistant to each union parishad (UP) across the country to help public representatives make the village courts operational’ she said while delivering speech as the Chief Guest at inauguration program of two-day long Village Courts Conference 2012 held from June 09-10, 2012 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka. The activating village courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) project organized this mega event.

The broad objectives of the conference were to generate national level sensitization, awareness about village courts, its function and eventually the AVCB project while also creating cross-sectional media coverage (print and electronic). It also aimed to instigate policy dialogue/discussion on village courts with overall perspective of access to justice issue while bringing development partners, practitioners, academics, GOB officials together on a platform to think positively about village courts.

Mr. Syed Ashraful Islam, Honb’le Minister, MoLGRD&C and Mr. Jahangir Kabir Nanok MP, Honb’le State Minister, MoLGRD&C were present as Special Guests at the inaugural ceremony while Mr. Neal Walker, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative and Mr. Milko van Gool, Charge d’affires a.i., Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh spoke at the occasion as the guests of honor. The inaugural session also showed a live video conference of a trial of Village Courts from a Union Parishad of Faridpur district in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

The two-day Conference also contained three comprehensive technical sessions titled ‘Sharing with UP Chairmen and Secretaries: Perspectives of Village Courts and Union Parishads’, ‘The Village Courts Act 2006: The Role of Union Perished in Implementation of the Act, the Enforcement and Necessity to Reform’, ‘Access to Justice for Women & Marginalized Peoples: Perspectives of Village Courts’.

The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Honb’le State Minister of MoLGRD&C and MoWCA, Secretary, LGD attended at different sessions. Among others Barrister Sara Hossain, Mr. Bikash Kumar Saha, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Dhaka, Mr. Shahdeen Malik, Director, School of Law, BRAC University, SM Kuddus Zaman, Special Officer (District Judge), Bangladesh Supreme Court, Prof Mamtaz Begum, Charman, Jatia Mahila Sangstha and other dignitaries attended the respective working sessions.

The conference also contained stall presentations by various NGOs and projects, video exhibitions, photo and documentary shows and cultural events. A total 1000 participants including 700 UP Chairmen and Secretaries participated at the Conference. Besides these, the law makers, government high officials, representatives from UN and donor agencies, local government and judicial officials, leading civil society members, NGOs, media etc. attended the conference.

National Consultation on Role of Media in Activating Village Courts held

A National Consultation on Role of Media in Activating Village Courts was held on April 18, 2012 at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka.

Mr. Jahangir Kabir Nanok MP, Honb’le State Minister, Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C), graced the consultation as the Chief Guest. H.E. Mr William Hanna, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh and Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh were present as Special Guests.

The Chief Guest said, ‘the Village Courts Act empowers the local government representatives and general people in intensifying the scopes of access to justice and strengthening local justice system.

Mr Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh said, there is plenty of potential of Village Courts in strengthening local justice system in the country and media can have a crucial role in promoting this. ‘In regards to boosting the awareness level of rural people and making analytical criticism of VC services, role of service providers including policy framework issues relating to VC, media should intervene profoundly as an instrumental watchdog’, Mr.Priesner said.
About 80 national level senior journalists attended the consultation.

Religious leaders learn about Village Courts

In an effort to boost field level awareness and community mobilization on Village Courts, AVCB Project initiated a program to train Imams and religious leaders on VCs at the union level in project areas. The project conducts this activity aiming to enhance the knowledge and understanding of religious leaders on VCs as they have immense influence on community at local level escalating their beliefs and support towards the services of VCs. Accordingly, the project started organizing a series of two-day long trainings from April, 2011 and already thirty different batches have successfully completed their training in Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna and Chittagong divisions. A total of 790 imams and religious leaders attended at these orientation programs while the project targets to cover 3,870 imam & religious leaders at local level within the project areas during the remaining period.

The religious leaders stated that the training program was very useful and informative initiative as they learnt about the function, jurisdictions of VCs along with other necessary information which helped them encourage community people coming towards village courts and contribute potentially for enhancing access to local justice for rural and destitute people at union level.

Village Courts Project observed the International Women’s Day

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project observed the International Women’s Day with rounding off different programs across its intervention areas. The programs included rally, essay writing competition, poetry recitation, seminar, debate competition etc. which took place at 12 districts of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rangpur divisions where the project activities are underway through partner NGOs.

The above events focused the issues on empowerment of women and equal rights including creating their greater access to local justice through Village Courts. Meanwhile, the programs also secured remarkable responses from all corners of the society including mountainous participation of women for raising their voice towards promotion of equity and social justice. Govt. officials participated in the event along with local government representatives, teachers, social workers, media and NGO representatives, civil society members, political leaders, other different professionals and community members.

6th PIC meeting of Village Courts project held

The 6th Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting of Village Courts Project was held on February 19, 2012 at Conference Room of Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C. Mr. K M Mozammel Hoq, NPD of Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C presided over the meeting. Mr. Sarder Md. Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project updated the PIC members about the progress of the activities including updates from the last PIC meeting. The meeting discussed the TPP revision, status of Village Courts management committee at district and Upazila level and providing support to non- intervention areas. Meanwhile, the members of PIC appreciated the on-going progress of the project activities.

Among others, Ms ShamimaNargis, Joint Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C; Mr. Abu Tahir Md, Zaber, Senior Assistant Secretary, LGD,MoLGRD&C, Mr. Md. MujiburRahman, Senior Assistant Secretary, Law and Justice Division, MoPA, Mr. Md. AbdurRouf, Deputy Chief, LGD, Mr. Mahbubul Haque Patwary, Deputy Chief, ERD; Ms. Sabiha Pervin, Deputy Secretary, Cabinet Division, Mr. Md Hasanur Rahman, Director General, IMED; and Ms. Young Hong, Assistant Country Director, UNDP attended the meeting.

Workshop on Amalgamation of Arbitration Council with Village Courts Held in Cox’s Bazar

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a workshop with judicial officers on the Amalgamation of Arbitration Council with Village Courts held at Hotel Uni Resort, Cox’s Bazar. on February 14, 2012. Ms. Rokeya Begum, Tribunal Judge of Cox’s Bazar graced the workshop as the Chief Guest while Mr. Mukter Ahmed, District and Sessions Judge, Cox’s Bazar presided over the event. Mr. Sayed Humayun Azad, Chief Judicial Magistrate of Cox’s Bazar was the Special Guest of the Workshop. The basic objective of the workshop was to solicit views from the VC officials, representatives of Upazila Parishads and District Councils, Judges, Judicial Magistrates, officers of administration, police and others regarding necessity of amalgamation of the Arbitration Council with village courts and the legal viability of such amalgamation.

Around 24 participants attended the workshop including respective district Joint Judges, Senior Judicial Magistrates, Assistant Judges, Secretary and President of the District Bar Association, police officers, elected local government representatives and others. Mr. Mahboob Murshed, Legal Expert, AVCB project presented the key note paper at the workshop.

Workshop on Village Courts Held at Gopalganj

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a workshop titled “strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders in activating Village Courts” on January 31, 2011 in Gopalganj. The project arranged this workshop aiming to sensitize local stakeholders about VCs.

Mr. Md. Mahmud Hossain, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Gopalganj and Deputy Secretary graced the workshop as Chief Guest while Mr. Md. Monir Hossain, SP attended as Special Guest. Among others, Mr. Moniruzzaman, ADC (G), Mr. Rashedul Islam, ADM, Mr. Mostafa Kamal, Senior Judicial Magistrate Gopalganj spoke at the workshop.

The Deputy Commissioner said that village courts can only be effective when all stakeholders extend their utmost support as it needs to establish social trust on VC from all corners of community. The SP also opined that village courts have the potential to strengthen the local justice system through ensuing fair justice.

Mr. Moniruzzaman, ADC (G), Gopalganj and Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentations at the workshop. The stakeholders took part in group discussions and presented their opinions on the ways to enhance their involvement and contribution to the advancement of village courts.

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Gopalganj delivering his speech as Chief Guest at the VC workshop.

Training Workshop on Gender, Human Rights and Village Courts

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a training workshop on gender, human rights and Village Courts on January 31, 2012 at DC’s Conference Hall in Chuadanga. The event was aimed at furthering the capacity of the district and upazila level government officials of Department of Women and Child Affairs, administration, UP Chairmen and other key stakeholders on gender, human rights and village courts issues.

Mr. Mr. Bhola Nath Dey, Deputy Commissioner, Chuadanga inaugurated the workshop as Chief Guest while Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mollick Syed Mahboob and Additional District Magistrate Mr. Moklesur Rahman spoke at the event as Special Guests. The Deputy Commissioner outlined the significance of creating broader understanding on gender and human rights issues in light of village courts which could have a major role in ushering in greater women’s empowerment..

Mr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Training Manager and Mr. Md. Anamul Haque, Training Associate, AVCB, UNDP facilitated the workshops. A total of 65 participants including 24 female members took part in the training. The participants came from judiciary, lawyers, key women leaders, key women stakeholders of civil society, women elected representatives and others. The event enhanced the participants’ knowledge and skills on gender, women empowerment, human rights and village court trial process.

Workshop on “Role of Media in activating Village Courts” held at Narail

As a part of the continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level through ushering the active participation and involvement of media along with other key stakeholders, ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project’ organized a Media Workshop titled “Role of Media in activating Village Courts” held on November 22, 2011 at Narail. The project arranged the workshop aiming to avail the local media (print and electronic) getting acquainted about the VCs in endeavors to activate the village courts. The workshop sensitized the journalists in focusing VCs through their respective media in strives of establishing effective village courts at union level. Mr. Md. Jahurul Haque, Deputy Commissioner was present at the workshop as Chief Guest while other high officials attended the workshop. The Deputy Commissioners stated all necessary cooperation in implementing the project activities will be provided by his office. He also said that the local journalists would contribute in advancing village courts being equipped with the knowledge on VCs through the media workshop. Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentation at the workshop. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts in country perspectives, needs and potential of VCs and how media can have effective role in advancing Village Courts. The journalists also took part in group discussions and presented their suggestions on the ways of advancing VCs from the efforts of media. In total 48 journalists of national and local media from the district attended at the workshop.

Training on ‘Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of Village Courts’ held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a four-day long residential training on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework of Village Courts for the Field Team Members from September 18 to 21, 2011 in Chittagong. The project arranged this training aiming to ensure the quality of the field level activities and improve the records keeping of village court proceedings and others procedural documents through effective implementation of M&E system of AVCB Project. A total of 24 participants (from partner NGOs of Chittagong and Khulna Division) attended at the training program

Consultation on Integration of VC Issues in the Curricula of BCSAA held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized a consultation workshop with BCSAA on Integrating Village Court Issues in their training curricula on September 6, 2011 in Dhaka. The project organized the consultation aiming to integrate the VC issues in the regular training curricula of BCSAA to institutionalize village court issues along with enhancing the institutional capacity of BCSAA on local justice system.

Mr. Fazle Kabir, DG, BCSAA and Secretary to the GoB chaired the Consultation while Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C moderated the event. Mr. Kabir M Ashraf Alam, DG, NILG and Additional Secretary elaborated on the significance and modalities of the integration process.
The consultation identified three regular training courses of BCSAA for integration of VC issues. These courses are ‘Law and administration training course for the Assistant Commissioners and Executive Magistrates (five months)’, ‘Orientation course for fit-listed UNOs (02 weeks)’ and ‘Upazilla administration and development course for UNOs (02 weeks)’. The faculty members of the BCSAA also opined on the extent and duration of the lessons on VC issues at the Consultation.
Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB welcomed the participants through his initial discussion while Mr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Training Manager, AVCB shared the contents and methods the draft module. Mr. Mahboob Murshed, Legal Expert, AVCB provided valued inputs from legal aspects of village courts at the Consultation.
The DG, BCSAA categorically mentioned the implications of integration and assured to extend all out cooperation in the integration process. Meanwhile, a consultation committee is constituted including the faculty members of BCSAA, representatives from LGD, technical experts of the project and NILG regarding the integration of the VC issues in the training curricula of BCSAA. A total of 25 participants including 05 female members attended at the Consultation.

Local Government Division will award Best Performing Union Parishad

The Local Government Division introduces award for the best performing Union Parishads (UP) for performing activities in the Village Courts. The 5th Project Implementation Committee (PIC) meeting- held on 24th August at the LGD Ministry announced the award scheme. The meeting was Chaired by Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, Additional Secretary of LGD, MoLRG&C and the National Project Director of AVCB Project. The award will be made annually on the basis of the performance of the UP particularly focusing on the number of cases filed, progress, efficiency in functioning village courts, documentation procedure, compliance with Act and Rules, community satisfaction etc.

National Consultation on The Village Courts Act, 2006: Challenges and Way Forward held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a national consultation on ‘The Village Courts Act, 2006: Challenges and Way Forward’ on July 30, 2011 in Dhaka. The event aimed to share the legal review report and thus move forward for necessary legal reform initiative for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of village courts services in Bangladesh through sensitizing the policy makers, high officials, local representatives, Donors, NGO, media and civil society.

Mr. Shawkat Ali, MP, Honb’le Deputy Speaker, Bangladesh Parliament graced the consultation as Chief Guest while Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Honb’le State Minister of Women & Children Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh were present as Special Guests. The Deputy Speaker stressed the need for strengthening and expanding village court across the country in order to help establishing good governance and justice to the poor and underprivileged. The Honb’le State Minister reiterated in her speech to ensure at least one woman member in the constitution of Village Court.

Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh opined, justice is an essential tool for poverty reduction. Unless there is access to justice at all levels the powerful will always prevail and the poor will always remain poor. Referring few successful case studies, he said, VC can contribute to ensure local justice system and strengthen the status of good governance at local level. The discussants made useful recommendations to improve the draft Bill in amending the Village Courts Act, 2006, making the law more efficient in activating village courts for ensuring justice for the poor and disadvantages people at rural level. The consultation was also attended by senior and mid-level government officers from different ministries and local administration along with impressive presence of judiciary.

AVCB organized Interactive Workshop with Cabinet Division Officers

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized an Interactive Workshop with Cabinet Division Officers on Village Courts at Cabinet Division Conference Room on June 30, 2011. The project initiated the event aiming to highlight the potentials of village courts i.e. functions, progresses and implementation of the project to induce in-depth knowledge, conceptual precision for the Cabinet Division Officers about VCs and boosting their active involvement in advancing the project through mobilizing local administration. The workshop was chaired by Mr. M.A.N Siddique, Additional Secretary of Cabinet Division while Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, AVCB Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C facilitated the workshop along with Ms. Shamima Nargis, Deputy Secretary, LGD. Among others Mr. Khandker Anwarul Islam, Additional Secretary, Cabinet Division along with other Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Senior Assistants Secretaries of Cabinet Division and Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project were present at the workshop. More than 50 senior level officers of the Division took active part in the workshop.

Imams and Religious leaders are getting well conversant about village courts

As part of several activities for boosting field level awareness and community mobilization on Village Courts, AVCB Project initiated to train the Imams and religious leaders on VCs at union level in project areas. The project conducts this activity aiming to enhance the knowledge and understanding of religious leaders on village courts as they have immense influence to induce the community at local level escalating their beliefs and support towards the services of VCs. Accordingly, the project started organizing two-day long series of such trainings from May, 2011 and already eight different batches were successfully trained in Dhaka and Rangpur Division. A total of 238 imams and religious leaders attended at these orientation programs while the project targets to cover 3,870 imam & religious leaders at local level within the project areas during the remaining period.

District Workshops on “Role of Media in activating Village Courts” held in Faridpur

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a Media Workshops on the “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts at Union Level” on June 12, 2011 in Faridpur. The project arranged this workshop aiming to avail the local media (print and electronic) acquainted with the VCs in endeavors to activate the village courts. Mr. Helaluddin Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Faridpur was present as Chief Guest while Mr. Md. Awlad Ali Fakir, SP, Faridpur attended as the Special Guest. Among others, Mr. Md. Yusub Ali Mollah, ADC General, Mr. Shafiqur Reza Biswas, Deputy Secretary & ADM, Faridpur participated in the workshop. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts, need for more VCs and also discussed how the media can play an effective role in advancing VCs at union level. In total 45 journalists of national and local media from the mentioned districts attended at the workshop.

Village Courts Project’s NPD & PM observed field level activity at Rangpur

Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, the NPD, AVCB project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C and Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, PM, AVCB observed some field level project activities from May 24 to 26, 2011 in Rangpur. They visited Rajendrapur & Parul Union Parishad under Sadar and Pirgacha Upazila respectively to review the progress of field level activities, record keeping of Village Courts trial, functions of VC, response of community and other stakeholders. They vetted the documents of the VC, and held a discussion with the UP officials, local Chairmen, GoB officials and community during the visit. During their community visit they found that people have developed a keen interest and trusted the activities of village courts.

Training on ‘Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of Village Courts’ held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a 3-day long residential training on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework of AVCB Project at RDRS in Rangpur from May 24 to 26, 2011. The objective of the training was to ensure the quality of the field level activities and improve the records keeping of village court proceedings and others procedural documents through effective implementation of M&E system of AVCB Project. Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C inaugurated training program while Mr. Jashim Uddin Ahmed, Divisional Commissioner, Rangpur, Mr. Saleh Mohammad Tanvir, SP, Rangpur and Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, PM, AVCB attended as Special Guests. Mr. B M Enamul Haque, Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur presided over the session.

District Workshops on “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts” held in Gopalganj, and Rajbari

As a part of the continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for the marginalized including destitute women, ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project’ organized two Media Workshops on “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts” on May 15 and 19th respectively in Gopalganj and Rajbari. The project arranged these workshops aiming to avail the local media (print and electronic) acquainted with the VCs in endeavors to activate the village courts. The workshops sensitized the local journalists for enhancing wider media coverage on village courts and its merits on rural community in accessing to justice services.
Mr. Sheikh Yusuf Harun, Deputy Commissioner, Gopalganj, and Ms. Syeda Shahana Bari, Deputy Commissioner attended the respective workshops as Chief Guests. Among others, Mr. Abdul Kuddus Amin, SP, Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman, ADC General, Md. Rashedul Islam, ADM attended the Gopalganj workshop and Mr. Moha. Aminul Islam, ADC General, Mr. AKM Shamimul Haque Siddique, ADM of Rajbari attended at the Rajbari workshops. Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentation at both the workshops. The workshops highlighted the issues of village courts in the context of Bangladesh, and the perspectives, needs and potential of VCs as well as, how media can have effective role in advancing VCs at union level. In total 96 journalists of national and local media from the mentioned districts (including respective concerned upazilas) attended the workshops.

Reflection Workshop held for Village Courts Project

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) project organized an day and half Project Reflection Workshop at BIAM Foundation on 11th – 12th May with an agenda to ensure stronger coordination, devise follow up plan of monitoring visit findings, develop a common understanding on the quality and implementation modality and inter-component coordination the as well as promoting GOB involvement within the project. Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director and Additional Secretary, Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C attended the Workshop as Chief Guest while Mr. Swapan Kumar Sarker, Director General, Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation (MIE) wing of LGD, Ms. Shamima Nargis, Deputy Secretary-UP, LGD and Ms. Nandita Dutta, Programme Analyst, UNDP were present as Special Guests. Representatives from NGOs engaged in helping LGD for grassroots level capacity building, social mobilization in 4 divisions and the project management team took part in the workshop and shared their knowledge on ways to rebuild people’s confidence in village courts and field experiences regarding multi-stakeholders involvement.

Workshop on Village Courts Project M & E Framework held

With a view to strengthening the monitoring and oversight function of Village Courts Project, the "Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh" Project organized a consultative workshop at national level on May 05, 2011 at BRAC Center Inn.
The workshop shared the "Monitoring and Evaluation Framework" (final draft version) with key stakeholders including Local Government Division (LGD), MoLGRD&C, Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation (MIE) wing of LGD, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), Planning Division, UNDP and PNGOs-working at field level implementation. The participants of the workshop were very keen to provide their thoughtful suggestions to improve this framework. Upon receiving and incorporating the feedback, the framework will be finalized.
The National Project Director, Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan was present as the Chief Guest while Mr. Swapan Kumar Sarker, Director General, MIE and Mr. Sarder M Assaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB Project were present as special guests.

District Workshops on “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts” held in Rangpur, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat

As a part of the continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for the marginalized including destitute women, ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project’ organized three Media Workshops on the “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts at Union Level” on April 24, 26 and 28th at Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur respectively. The aim of these workshops was to build awareness among the local media (print and electronic) about the VCs efforts and activities in activating the village courts. The workshops sensitized the journalists for enhancing wider media coverage on village courts and its merits on rural community in accessing to justice services. Mr. Md. Mokhlechar Rahman Sarcar, Deputy Commissioner, Lalmonirhat, Mr. B M Enamul Haque, Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur and Mr. Md. Abdul Mannan, Additional Deputy Commissioner were present as Chief Guests. Among others, Mr. Shariful Haque, Senior ASP, Mr. Md. Ruhul Amin Khan, ADC General, Dr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain, ADM attended the Rangpur workshop and Mr. Kamruzzaman, DDLG, Mr. Nizam Uddin, RDC of Rangpur & Mr. Md. Abu Jubair Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Lalmonirhat attended the workshop in their respective district. Terming the Media Workshops as very timely and important, the Deputy Commissioners applauded the project for coming up with this commendable initiative of grassroots level interactions which they believed would in fact help increase the pace of the progress in line with activating Village Courts. Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer, AVCB, UNDP delivered the key technical presentation at all the workshops. In total, 132 journalists of national and local media from the mentioned districts attended the respective workshops. The journalists termed the workshop as an innovative initiative in advancing development journalism at local level.

National Technical Consultation held on Village Court Law Reform

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) project organized a National Technical Consultation on the Review of Legal Framework of Village Courts at the BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka on 20 April. Mr. Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan, Secretary, Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C attended the consultation as Chief Guest while Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director and the Additional Secretary of the same ministry presided over the event and Ms. Young Hong, Assistant Country Director, UNDP was present as Special Guest.

The Legal Expert of the Village Courts project presented the draft report on the review of legal reform of VC in the half-day consultation. The Chief Guest stressed the need for amending the Village Courts Act and framing new rules considering the practical need of the society and the impact of the change on other relevant laws. The consultation ended with a set of recommendations on various important issues of the reform of Village Court’s legal framework.

Mr. Khondkar Mahbub Hossain, President of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association, Mr. Murad Reza, Additional Attorney General, Mr. Luc Patzelt, Programme Manager, European Union, members of Bangladesh judicial and administrative services working in the Metropolitan Court of Session, various ministries, representatives from civil society and NGO workers also attended the program. The Chief Guest acknowledged and appreciated EC and UNDP for providing major financial assistance and technical cooperation for this local justice project.

Training Workshop on gender, human rights & Village Courts held in Kishoreganj

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized a training workshop on gender, human rights and Village Courts on Wednesday, 30 March in Kishoreganj. The event aimed to further the capacity of the district and upazila level government officials of Department of Women and Child Affairs, administration, UP Chairmen and other key stakeholders on gender, human rights and village courts issues. Md. Siddiqur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner, Kishoregonj inaugurated the workshop as Chief Guest while Additional Deputy Commissioner Nuruzzaman and Additional District Magistrate Haider Jahan Forash were present as special guests. Asia Alam, Chairman, Mithamoin UP presided over the inaugural session. A total of 57 participants including 37 women took part in the training. The participants came from judiciary, lawyers, women leaders, and stakeholders of the civil society.

Village Courts Project started training for Village Police

The Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project initiated a series of day-long training for Village Police at the field level across 500 UPs. The purpose of the training was to sensitize them on the Village Courts Act and Rules, and to enhance their capacity in their roles and responsibilities in activating the Village Courts function. In the first phase of the training, the project is targeting 2,240 Village Police in Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions with 30 village police members in each batch.

Consultative Workshop held on Village Court Law Reform

The Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) project organized a consultative workshop on the draft report of the Review of Legal Framework of Village Court at the UNDP CO on 16 March 2011. Mr. Stefan Priesner, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Young Hong, ACD, Nandita Dutta, Programme Analyst, Dr. Shahdeen Malik, Legal Advisor of UNDP and the Legal Experts and Project Manager from Access to Justice & Human Rights Projects of UNDP attended the workshop. Mr. Mahboob Murshed, Legal Expert of AVCB Project made a presentation on the draft findings of the legal review which was followed by a stimulated discussion. The participants critically analyzed and discussed the issue of enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction of the Village Court, constitution of village court with more woman representation, issues of addressing domestic violence, restrictions on appeals, and restricting police from investigating offences triable by a Village Court etc. Stefan expressed his concern on the enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction referring this issue should be carefully dealt with in a country where per capita income is very low. He also expressed concern on the restriction of appeal from a decision of Village Court which to him is a human rights issue. Ms. Young Hong raised her concern on the domestic violence against woman and suggested incorporating necessary provision in the amendment to empower VC to try offences regarding domestic violence.

2nd PSC meeting of VCs project held

The second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project held on Sunday, 23 January at Local Government Division (LGD), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. Chaired by LGD Secretary Mr. Md. Abu Alam Shahid Khan, National Project Director of AVCB Project and Additional Secretary, LGD Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan was present in the discussion. Project Manager of AVCB Mr. Sarder M. Asaduzzaman apprised the meeting of progress of the project and EC-ROM Mission’s key findings and recommendations. The meeting discussed about the last three PIC meeting decisions and revised Log Frame of the project.

ToTs on Village Courts held

As part of series Training for Trainers (ToT) programs on Village Courts, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised three different slots of ToT on Village Courts (each slot continues for 12 days ) from November last year to January this year at National Institute of Local Government (NILG) in Dhaka. The project organised the ToTs to enhance capacity of the UP elected representatives, staff and CBO members in conducting the village courts efficiently. The closing ceremony of the ToTs was held on Sunday, 2 January at the same venue. A total of 69 participants from two partner NGOs- ESDO and MLAA took part in the training.

Workshop on “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts” held

As a part of continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for marginalised people including the destitute women, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a media workshop titled “Role of Media in Activating Village Courts at Union Level” on Wednesday, 15 December at Vandaria, Pirojpur. The project organised this workshop aimed at getting the local media, both print and electronic, familiar with Village Courts activities in a bid to activate the village courts.

Mr. M. Idris Siddique, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Pirojpur was present at the programme as chief guest with Mr. Md. Khairul Hasan, UNO, Vandaria was in the chair. Terming the media workshop a ‘very timely and crucial event’, the ADM said the local journalists can play an instrumental role in advancing the process. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts in country perspectives, needs and potential of VCs and how media can play an effective role in strengthening the local justice services at union level.

Communications Officer of Activating Village Courts project Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin made the key technical presentation at the workshop. A total of 35 journalists, both from national and local media from Vandaria Upazila and Pirojpur district, took part in the workshop.

Workshop on “Institutional Monitoring and Evaluation of Village Courts” held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organised a workshop on “Institutional Monitoring and Evaluation of Village Court” on Tuesday, 28 December at BCS Admin Academy Auditorium, Dhaka.

The workshop was aimed at assessing the potentiality of decentralization of monitoring and oversight mechanism of Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation (MIE), Local Government Division (LGD) under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives in a bid to strengthening Village Courts (VCs) at union level.

LGD Secretary Mr. Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan was present at the workshop as chief guest while Director General, BCSAA Mr. Fazle Kabir, and Project Manager of Village Courts project Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman as special guests. Presided over by National Project Director of VC project Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, Additional Secretary, LGD, Director General of MIE Mr. Swapan Kumar Sarkar presented the keynote paper.

The Secretary opined that the existing Village Courts Act 2006 needs to be revised for formulating a balanced and effective law for the betterment of smooth functioning of village courts as it proves its merits in resolving local disputes. Speakers at the workshop also stressed the need for developing a strong and sustainable monitoring system of MIE for advancing village courts at union level.

Media workshop on VCs held in Sylhet

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a media workshop titled “Role of Media in activating Village Courts at Union Level” at South Surma, Sylhet on Saturday, 11 December. The project organised the workshop as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for the marginalised including destitute women. The workshop sensitised the media (both print and electronic) about the activities and role of Village Courts in establish justice at rural level.

Mr. Shamim Al Razi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), General, Sylhet was present at the programme as chief guest while Mr. Rezaul Karim, Additional Police Commissioner, SMP as special guest. Terming the workshop as ‘very timely and crucial’, the ADC General opined that it will indeed sensitize the media to disseminate the information regarding village courts at local and national level through having necessary information on VCs. The workshop highlighted the issues of village courts in country perspectives, needs and potential of VCs and how media can have effective role in advancing VCs at union level. A total of 37 journalists from national and local media of the district took part in the workshop.

Training workshop on Gender, Human Rights, Village Courts held in Sylhet

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project and upazila administration, South Surma, Sylhet organised a day-long training workshop on “Gender, Human Rights and Village Courts” on Monday, 13 December at South Surma Upazila, Sylhet. The workshop was aimed at developing the capacity of UP Chairmen, women elected representatives and other stakeholders by enhancing their knowledge and skills on gender, women empowerment, human rights and village court trial process to create sustainable access to justice for rural common, underprivileged and vulnerable women through a responsive local justice system. Mr. Abu Syed M. Hashim, Deputy Commissioner, Sylhet inaugurated the workshop as chief guest while Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ahmed Shamim Al Raji was present as special guests. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ms. Sultana Yasmin presided over the session. A total of 61 participants including 39 female took part in the workshop. The training workshop was concluded with `Five Point Commitments on Gender Mainstreaming’ at UPs and ensuring access to justice for the women at VCs made by the five UPs.

Village Courts holds annual planning workshop, retreat ’10

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised an annual planning workshop and retreat 2010 at Jamuna Resort on 2-4 December aimed at finalising the project’s annual work plan 2011 and devising reflections of current year’s activity along with strengthening its team building. The programmes included presentation of component-wise work plan for the year of 2011, multi-year budget and analysed the lessons learned, challenges and way forward. National Project Director (NPD) of Village Court Project and Additional Secretary, Local Government Division (LGD), Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan inaugurated the programme. UNDP Assistant Country Director Ms. Won Young Hong, Program Analyst Ms. Nandita Dutta, Program Officer Mr. Masud Karim spoke on the occasion while Project Manager Mr. Sarder Asaduzzaman presented the complied AWP 2011 in the annual planning workshop. The retreat ended with a colorful cultural night and fun games.

ToT on Village Courts begins at NILG

As part of series of 10 Training for Trainers (ToT) programs on Village Courts, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a 12 day-long training on Village Courts from 23 November to 4 December at National Institute of Local Government (NILG) in Dhaka. The project arranged this ToT program to enhance capacity of the UP elected representatives, staff and CBO members in running the village courts efficiently. Local Government Division (LGD) Secretary Mr. Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan inaugurated the ToT program while NILG Director General Mr. Kabir M. Asharaf Alam chaired the session. Assistant Country Director of UNDP Bangladesh Ms. Won Young Hong and Training Director, NILG Mr. Akramul Haque attended the session as special guests.

The ToT program is expected to enhance the knowledge of the participants on basic training methods and procedures, relevant basic concepts of VCs i.e. good governance, judicial values, social justice, law and rules of VCs; attaining retention rate on the practical skills on conducting village courts and documentation process. A total of 24 participants (from partner NGOs ESDO-10 & MLAA-14) are taking part in the ToT.

VCs to assess IT capacity in UPs for local justice service

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project is carrying out a survey to assess the Information Technology (IT) capacity in Union Parisads (UPs) and find out the existing physical infrastructure opportunity for improving service delivery and Village Court performance. The survey will help project to understand the rationale, strategic needs and level of interventions bringing the IT support as well as suggest piloting areas to provide equipment, training needs and other logistic supports required. Extensive field visit is underway since October for collecting data by the designated ICT survey team from 50 sample UPs of 20 upazila covering 14 districts of six divisions covering the Village Courts project intervention areas.

Village Courts published booklet and other IEC materials

With the support of Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project, Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives published a booklet on Village Courts Act 2006 titled "Gram Adalote Bichar: Songslishtha Ain O Bidhimala'. The booklet contains the acts and rules of the village courts in Bengali so as to make understandable to the stakeholders especially for the UP Chairmen, members and VC officials. The project also brought out a pocket card on the Justice Process in Village Courts which narrates the whole process of the VC precisely to make the community aware about easy accessibility to the village courts. It also printed six different stickers, posters, flip charts with messages of village courts, colorful festoons for union parishad and a result oriented handicraft scrap book containing project progresses. The VC book and IEC materials drew huge attention of the stakeholders and availed in enhancing their knowledge on village courts. The PDF version of the VC booklet and other IEC materials are available in www.villagecourts.org.

Village Courts holds consultation with NILG on endorsing Training Manual

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a day-long consultation workshop with National Institute of Local Government (NILG) on endorsing Village Court Training Manual and Conduction of Training for Trainers (ToTs) Thursday, 21 October at NILG in Dhaka. The project organised the consultation aimed at reviewing, integrating and endorsing the training manual by NILG as Local Government Division (LGD) assigned earlier the institute to carry out a series of training related activities of the project.

Secretary for LGD Mr. Manzoor Hossain inaugurated the workshop as chief guest while NILG DG Mr. Kabir M Ashraf Alam was present at the programme as special guest. National Project Director of Village Court Project Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, also a Additional Secretary, LGD presided over the inaugural session. Terming the village court training manual an ‘important document’ for the government and the project as well, the Secretary said that it would be play an instrumental role in enhancing the capacity of the target stakeholders in activating village courts. A total of 13 participants including the expert team of NILG attended the workshop.

2^nd EC-ROM mission visits the VC Project activities

The 2nd EC-ROM mission visited the VC Project activities from October 10 to 14, 2010 and found impressive progresses in the efforts to activating village courts at union level. Mrs. Ferdous Jahan, representative of EC-ROM mission visited several project intervened unions of Sylhet, Rajbari and Faridpur and observed the different activities of the project. The mission also met with concerned judicial officials, local administration and other stakeholders. She also met with UNDP and project officials and discussed with several issues of project activities. The ROM mission also shared the findings of the visit in a debriefing meeting and pointed out the salient progresses of the project along with some specific issues and recommendations. She also termed the project communication and training materials as excellent tools to attune the stakeholders and community for enhancing their involvement and capacity in activating village courts.

Inauguration of Village Courts Ejlas in Rajbari and Faridpur

As a part of continuous efforts to equip village courts for delivering justice services to the community the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh recently inaugurated two ejlas set up in two UPs under Faridpur and Rajbari district. The first ejlas in Rajbari district was inaugurated by the Ms. Syeda Shahana Bari, Deputy Commissioner of Rajbari in Mulghar UP of Rajbari Sadar upazila on 5th October while the first ejlas in Faridpurt district was inaugurated by Mr. Helaluddin Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur in Kamarkhali UP under Modhukhali upazila on 6th October. The community particularly the UP representatives felt overwhelmed finding their respective DCs at your locality to inaugurate ejlas in their UP. Both the DCs explained about the priority of the present government has put on ADR where village courts can vital role to play in ensuring local justice services to the community. They said this is a significant initiative from the current government to bring justice services to the doorsteps of poor and vulnerable communities. Among others Mr. Sarder Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, Village Courts project and Mr. Masud Karim, Programme Officer, UNDP was present in both the occasions and spoke about the village courts project intervention.

training, workshops to establish model Village Courts going on

As part of continuous efforts to activate village courts at union level, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project is holding series of advocacy and capacity build-up programmes including training and workshops at Vandaria Upazila, Pirojpur and South Surma, Sylhet aimed at establishing model Village Courts.

The project is also supporting 12 selected union parishads in establishing court-room in a bid to run the village courts activities effectively. Eminent lawyer Dr. Shahdin Malik inaugurated a court-room at Tetli union in South Surma, Sylhet on Sunday, 26 September. He said that village courts will definitely avail to provide fair justice to the villagers and called upon all to come forward to cooperate with this endeavors in activating village courts. The project is arranging these programs aimed at to help promotion of Village Courts as the LGD selected 12 unions of two upazilas for establishing model VCs as a laboratory for the rest selected unions.

VC project installs billboards, signboards at district, union level

To help the promotion of village courts and raise awareness among communities, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project have installed billboards and signboards at district and union level.
Bearing the messages about village courts, the signboards are being installed in the premises of Union Parishad offices at 500 unions covered by the project. Billboards are also installed in District Court premises at 17 districts of 6 divisions- Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Barisal.

Village Courts holds workshops, rallies in Sylhet, Barisal

As a part of initiative to establishing model Village Courts, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project is simultaneously holding workshops and rallies in several upazilas, unions and CBOs with the key stakeholders of Village Courts at Vandaria Upazila, Pirojpur and South Surma, Sylhet.  Started on Thursday, 16 September, the programme will continue till 3 October.

The project is arranging these events aiming to advance VC activities as the LGD selected 12 unions of these two upazilas for establishing model VCs in a bid to establish these village courts as a laboratory for the rest selected unions. The project experts pointed out the legal aspects, procedures of village courts along with potentials and effective ways of involvement of the stakeholders at these events with regard to activating village courts at UP level. The Deputy Commissioners of the districts, ADCs, UNOs, DDLGs, UP Chairmen, Secretaries, judicial officials and other stakeholders attended the events.

Upazila and union level workshops for establishing model Village Courts

The “Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh” project is organizing two upazila workshops with the key stakeholders of Village Courts on September 16 at Vandaria Upazila, Pirojpur and South Surma, Sylhet simultaneously. The project is arranging these workshops aiming to advance VC activities in the 12 LGD-selected unions of these two upazilas, in a bid to establish these village courts as a laboratory for the rest selected unions. Deputy Commissioners of the districts, ADCs, UNOs, DDLGs, UP Chairmen, Secretaries, judicial officials and other stakeholders will be attending the workshops. The project will also organize 12 union level dissemination workshops from September 18 to 30, 2010 in the same upazilas.

On Job Training on Village Court held at Bhairob

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized ‘on the Job Training on Village Court’ on 5 September 2010 at Srinagar and Sadekpur UPs of Bhairab upazila under Kishoreganj district. The project arranged this training program to enhance hands on skills of the VC officials on the documentation process of village courts and capacity development of the UP elected representatives and CBO members in conduction of VCs efficiently. The event conducted several sessions on VC procedures and other relevant issues in conduction of village courts. The training added value in enhancing the skills with the knowledge on basic concepts on VCs i.e.  local justice, good governance, gender, human rights and judicial ethics, VC laws, rules and procedures etc. The participants showed much interest in the training programme and put their utmost sincerity to acquire the practical knowledge on filling up various VC forms, writing, maintaining VC registers and process of conducting village courts. In total 18 village courts officials participated in the training. Mr. Md. Khorshed Alam, UNO, Bhairab, Mr. Masud Karim Ripon, Programme Officer, UNDP, Hamidul Haque Khan, Training Manager facilitated the training sessions. The event grabbed mentionable media coverage.

Village Courts project to hold workshop with judicial officers Sept 4

The Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project will hold a day-long workshop with judicial officers on potential and reforms of Village Courts (VCs) on Saturday, 4 September at Circuit House in Barguna district. The workshop aims at facilitating the legal review process, review process of social barriers and limitations of VCs and developing a reference guide book for VCs with valuable opinion of judicial officers of different tiers and other stakeholders.

Deputy Commissioner of Barguna Mr. Mozibur Rahman will be present at the programme as chief guest while District Judge, Barguna Mr. Md. Salimullah will chair the event.

Feasibility and Perception testing workshop on IEC materials focusing VCs held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organised a ‘Feasibility and Perception Testing on Communication and Advocacy Strategy and Field Testing on Flip Charts and other IEC Materials with Local Stakeholders’ on Wednesday, 25 August at Alamdanga Upazila in Chuadanga district.

The workshop aimed at getting necessary feedback from the stakeholders and verifies the applicability to get best outputs. Meanwhile, in keeping endeavors to promote the project through disseminating information related to village courts, gender and human rights issues, the project is in progress to bring out different IEC materials in line with the Project Communication and Advocacy Strategy. Addressing as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner of Chuadanga district Mr. Bhola Nath Dey lauded the project initiative to interact with grassroots level on IEC materials which will contribute in enriching the knowledge/dissemination products in line with activating Village Courts.

Village Courts workshops held in Moulvibazar & Faridur

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organised a workshop with Judicial Officers on the Potential and Reforms of Village Court on Saturday, 21 August in Moulvibazar district aimed at facilitating the legal review process, social barriers and limitations on Village Court and developing the reference guide book for VCs alongwith having valuable opinions of the judicial officers and other stakeholders.

Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project and Additional Secretary, LGD, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD and Cooperatives) was present at the workshop as chief while Deputy Commissioner of Moulvibazar special guest. Senior and mid level government officers took part in the workshop.

Meanwhile, the project organised a upazila level workshop on Monday, 23 August at Nagarkanda Upazila under Faridpur district. As a part of continuous effort to create awareness on VCs among the stakeholders, the project orgainsed the workshop aimed at involving the field level high and mid level officials, UP chairmen and VC officials with the project implementation process through sensitizing them about potential in activating the village courts. Addressing as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner, Faridpur, Mr. Helaluddin Ahmed assured all necessary cooperation in executing the project activities at Faridpur district. A total of 72 participants (including 24 female) were present at the workshop

Workshop on M & E of Village Courts  held in Cox’s Bazar

With a view to contribute in developing and strengthening monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures within the LGD of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives with regards to village courts, the Village Courts Project organized two workshops at Chakaria and Ramu Upazila in Cox’s Bazar district on Monday, 2 August and Wednesday, 4 August respectively. The participants, through the workshops, were sensitized to understand the justice delivery system and monitoring and evaluation process of Village Courts. It shared the findings of the baseline survey related to M&E with the participants. It also experimented the chronicles of training tools to apply for the local stakeholders which were found useful for the participants in advancing village courts.  Md. Gias Uddin Ahmed, DC, Cox’s Bazar spoke at the workshop at Ramu Upazilla as chief guest while Md. Mr. Shahid Md. Saidul Haque, UNO, Ramu chaired the workshop. On the other hand, Mr. Md. Humaun Kabir Khandkar, ADC (General) was present at Chakaria Upazila workshop as Chief Guest. The UP Chairmen, Members of the project intervened areas of district attended the workshops.

2nd Village Courts PIC Meeting held

The 2^nd Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting of Village Courts Project was held on Tuesday 27 July in Dhaka with Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, NPD, Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C presiding over the meeting. Mr. Sarder Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCB project updated PIC members about the progresses of activities, including updates on the NGO engagement process and discussed the Quarterly Action Plan (Jul–Sep’10) including the necessity of revising the TPP. The meeting decided to form a procurement and recruitment committee to run the project activities more smoothly.  The meeting appreciated the idea of VC process card, project website, 500 VC signboards and billboard and suggested installing more billboards at Upazila and UP level. They also suggested ensuring a minimum SSC qualification for Court Assistants. Mr. S.M Arshad Imam, Deputy Director, IMED, Ministry of Planning, Mr. Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, Deputy Secretary, Planning Division, Mr. Md. Jabid Hossain, Deputy Secretary, Law and Justice Division, MoLJPA, Ms Munira Begum, Senior Assistant Chief, ERD, Mr. Md. Shamsul Karim Bhuiyan, Joint Chief, LGD, Mr. A.K.M Ehsanul Haque, Senior Assistant Secretary, LGD, Ms Nandita Dutta, Programme Analyst, UNDP attended the meeting.

Divisional Workshop on the Potentials and Reforms of Village Courts held in Chittagong and Gopalganj

On Saturday 24 July and Saturday 31 July, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized two day-long divisional workshops on “The Potentials and Reforms of Village Courts” in Gopalganj and Chittagong respectively.  The workshops aimed to facilitate the legal review process, and the review of the social barriers and limitations facing VCs, as well as developing and printing a reference guide book for VCs with the opinions of judicial officers of different tiers and other stakeholders of village courts. In Gopalgonj, the workshop was presided over by the District and Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj, Mr. Khondoker Kamalujjaman. In Chittagong Mr. Poresh Chandra Sharma, District and Sessions Judge (in charge), Chittagong chaired the workshop.  On both occasions, the National Project Director of the AVCB Project and Additional Secretary, Local Government Division of MoLGRD&C Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan attended the workshops as Chief Guest. He said that government has given much importance to activating village courts to enhance good governance and human rights of vulnerable people across the country. “Judicial officers can play a pivotal role in activating Village Courts through discouraging those cases fall under village court jurisdiction,” he said. The workshops were also attended by Chief Judicial Magistrates, Asst judges, Judicial Magistrates, lawyers, academia, and district administration official among others.

District Workshop of VCs project held in Borguna

As part of continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for the marginalized people including destitute women, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organized a district level workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders on Village Courts on Sunday, 18 July.
The workshop was held at Deputy Commissioner's Conference Room, Borguna aimed at involving the field level high and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders in the process of implementing the project activities.

While addressing the workshop as chief guest, Mr. Mazibur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner, Borguna district said that village courts, if it runs smoothly, can contribute a lot in establishing justice and good governance at local level. The government has given much priority to activate the village courts in regards to enhance good governance, welfare for the common and vulnerable people of the country, he added. Mr. Md. Abdul Alim, Additional Deputy Commissioner (general), Borguna gave the welcome speech while advocate Md. Shajahan, Mayor, Borguna Municipality, and Md. Sakhawat Hossain, ASP also spoke on the occasion.

Exploratory visits on piloting Village Courts held in Magura, Rajbari, Faridpur

In a bid to assess potential and feasibility for initiating  pilot village courts at few Union Parishads, Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project made 2nd preliminary exploratory visits in 32 Union Parishads of Faridpur Sadar Upazilla, Rajbari Upazilla, Mohammedpur and Upazilla of Magura from Sunday, 20 June to Thursday, 24 June.

The visit having meetings with DCs, ADCs, UNOs, 32 UP Chairmen including other key stakeholders possibilities and foreseeable challenges of piloting village courts in these unions. The extensive visit assessed the existing situation of the village courts including the scenario of UPs’ physical infrastructure. They also sensitized the stakeholders about the potentials of village courts and gained necessary information and suggestions to move further with actions regards to initiate the piloting of village courts.

Meanwhile, the LGD recently decided to initiate the piloting of few village courts having envisaged setting as standard justice delivery points of the village courts procedures.

District level workshop on VCs held in Lalmonirhat

In continuing endeavors to sensitize and bring the key stakeholders on board for functioning Village Courts, the ‘Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh’ project organised a district level workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders on Village Courts on Thursday, June 17 at Deputy Commissioner's (DC’s) office in Lalmonirhat.
The workshop was aimed at involving field -level high and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders with the implementing process of the project through sensitizing them about the potentials of Village Courts.

Mr. Md. Mokhlesur, Rahman Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner, Lalmonirhat district was present at the workshop as chief guest while Mr. Md. Abu Jubair Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) gave welcome address. The Deputy Commissioner assured all-out cooperation in implementing the project activities.

Village Courts holds workshop in Nilphamari

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a district level workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders on Village Courts on Tuesday, 15 June in Nilphamari.
The workshop was aimed at involving the field level high and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders with the process of implementing the project activities through sensitizing them about the potentials in activating village courts.
Mr. Zillur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner, Nilphamari district was present at the workshop as chief guest while Mr. ATM Siddiqur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) gave welcome address.
Showering praise to the Village Courts project activities, the Deputy Commissioner said the government has already given prioritized to activate the village courts in a bid to enhance good governance and ensure justice to rural poor people.

Mr. Alamgir Rahman, Superintended of Police (SP), Nilphamari also addressed the workshop mentioning the role of police in activating village courts at UP level.

Simulation on Village Court Trial Process held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project facilitated simulation sessions on village courts trial process for the UP elected representatives and CBO members at Bhairab, Kishorganj on June 10, 2010 as a part of a three-day field testing training (held from June 8 to 10, 2010) on the Draft Village Courts Training Manual. The simulation sessions on Village Courts trials helped the participants (especially VC officials) to attain skills and knowledge to conduct village courts efficiently.

The project organized the experimental training program to assess the potential and effectiveness of the training manual and develop capacity of the UP elected representatives and CBO members to conduct Village Courts (VCs) efficiently.

Preliminary exploration on pilotingVCs project held at Bhairab

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project held a preliminary exploratory meeting at Bhairab Upazila in Kishorganj district on Monday, 31 May in a bid to find the potentiality and feasibility for initiating piloting village courts in four Union Parishads under Bhoirab Upazila, Kishoregonj.

During the visit, the project team met with UNO, six UP chairmen and other key stakeholders and discussed a number of issues including possibilities and foreseeable challenges to initiate the piloting of village courts in four unions (Sadekpur, Aganagar, Srinagar and Shimulkandi).

The project team comprised Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C, Mr. Masud Karim, Program Officer, UNDP and Mr. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, AVCP.

Village Courts Project holds meeting with MIE wing of LGD

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project held a meeting with Monitoring Inspection and Evaluation (MIE) wing of Local Government Division (LGD), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MLGRD and Cooperatives) on Sunday, 9 May.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures within the LGD of MLGRD and Cooperatives, particularly at district and Upazilla level focusing on the village courts. Issues of developing guidelines for monitoring and evaluation in perspectives of strengthening village courts at UP level came up for discussion.
The meeting also discussed the progresses of project monitoring activities and took decision to develop a concept note on project monitoring mechanism, which would be finalized after organizing a consultation meeting with the experts and the key stakeholders.

VCs holds divisional workshop in Sylhet

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project on Saturday, 22 May organized a divisional workshop on strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders on Village Courts in Sylhet. The workshop was aimed at involving the high and mid field level government officials and other key stakeholders with the process of implementing the project activities through sensitizing them about the potentials in activating village courts.

Local Government Division (LGD) Secretary Mr. Monzur Hossain was present at the workshop as chief guest while Additional IGP (Training) Mr. Mohammad Aminul Islam as special guest. Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet Division Md. Golam Rabbani, presided over workshop. The Secretary said that Village Courts can play a significant role in strengthening local justice system in the country, especially in ensuring justice for rural poor, women and marginalized people.

Nat’l Roundtable Discussion on Baseline survey on VCs held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh project organised a ‘National Roundtable Discussion on Baseline Survey Report on Village Courts’ at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, 16 May to share the findings of a comprehensive baseline survey with the experts and other key stakeholders.
The survey, conducted by the Village Courts in its project area recently, showed a grim picture of access to justice of poor and women in rural areas. According to the survey, the rural poor have a very limited access to the justice and most of them still depend on the informal Shalish or conciliation process, regulated by local Matbar (opinion leader) or community leaders which failed to provide fair and meaningful justice due to corruption, bias, and fotwa.
About 92 percent of the respondents said that such courts are needed while 24 per cent of them know partly about the village courts.
Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mr. Jahangir Kabir Nanak said that the village courts can play an instrumental role in making the local justice system effective and sustainable and at the same time accessible to the poor. He asked the district and upazila level administration to monitor the activities of village courts closely in order to make it effective and acceptable to people.
UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Stefan Priesner termed the village courts project a “powerful government vehicle” to strengthen and take justice services to the people’s doorstep. “Access to justice is a prerequisite for poverty reduction and any program to foster it directly contributes to the government’s central goal of poverty reduction,” he added. 
Local Government Division (LGD) Secretary Mr. Monzur Hossain and National Project Director of Village Court Project Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan were also present at the discussion.

VCs holds workshop with UP chair, members in Patuakhali

Aimed at developing and strengthening monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures within the Local Government Division (LGD) of Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Cooperatives (MLGRD and C), the Village Courts project organized two workshops at Dashmina and Patuakhali Sadar Upazila in Patuakhali district on 28-29 April.
Through the workshops, participants were sensitized about the justice delivery system and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) process of the Village Courts. Experiment on chronicles of training tools to apply for the local stakeholders was made which was found useful in advancing the VCs.
Md. Riaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner spoke at the event at Patuakhlali Sadar as chief guest  while Mr. Amal Krisna Mandal, ADC (General) was present as special guest. Md. Azmal Hossain, UNO presided over the workshop at Dashmina upazila.
A total of 78 participants including UP chairmen and members, government officials took part in the training.

VCs hold upazila and union- level workshops at Moulvibazar, Sylhet

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized two workshops titled “Strengthening sensitization and involvement of the stakeholders in activating Village Courts" at Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila, Moulvibazar and East Jaflong Union, Guainghat, Sylhet on April 29 and 30 respectively.
The project organized the workshops aiming to involve the field level high and mid level officials with the process of implementing the project activities through sensitizing them about the potentials in activating the village courts. The workshops successfully able to sensitized the cross section of people  including government officials, representatives of Upazila, Unions, NGOs, CBOs, lawyers, police, media, women leaders in focusing the potentials of Village Courts and having their active participation in activating the VCs.
Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project and Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD and C attended as Chief Guest at both the workshops while Mr. Md. Mofizul Islam, and Mr. Sazzadul Hasan, Deputy Commissioners of Moulvibazar and Sylhet presided over their respective events.

The National Project Director said that the potentials of Village Courts Project in strengthening local justice system in the country is immense, especially it carries instrumental efforts in ensuring justice for the women, poor and marginalized people. The participants of the workshops took part in group discussions and presented their suggestions on the ways of activating village courts. A total 110 participants (including 37 female) attended at the workshops

Village Courts project team visits 8 Union Parisads

As part of continuous efforts to strengthen the local justice services at rural level for the marginalized including destitute women, the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project made an extensive field visit at eight Union Parishads in Madaripur, Gopalganj and Rajbari districts from Monday, 19 April to Friday, 23 April.
The visit included several sharing meetings with Village Courts officials, community, local representatives, secretaries, imams, teachers, NGOs, media, administration, complainant, defendants and witnesses to intensify awareness and getting cross section of opinions on village courts. The field trip also leveraged taking necessary video footage for making a documentary on Village Courts together with UNDP Communications Team and the Project.
The sharing meetings at different unions explored the potentials of Village Courts and clarified the participants various aspects regarding the function and process of VCs. The team also observed the trial sessions at village courts, activities of Shalish (mediation) and courtyard meetings at different places of the unions.

Project Implementation Committee Meeting of Village Courts Project held

The 1st Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting of Activating Village Courts (AVC) Project held on April 06, 2010 at Conference Room of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives (MLGRDC).  Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C presided over the meeting. The PIC members briefly focused about the progresses of the project in the meeting. It also elaborately discussed about the main upcoming activities including National level Round Table Discussion, quarterly action plan (Apr-Jun’10) etc. The meeting also decided to designate one GOB person in each district and Upazila of the project intervention areas to facilitate the project activities through nominating by relevant Deputy Commissioners. 

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Roxana Quader, Deputy Secretary, LGD, Ms. Akhtari Begum, Senior Asst. Secretary, LGD, Ms. Nandita Dutta, Programme Analyst, UNDP, Mr. Masud Karim Ripon, Programme Officer, UNDP, Mr Sarder M. Asaduzzaman, PM, AVC project and others. Mentionable, the Village Courts Project had its 1st Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting on 08 March 2010.

FGDs with Village Court officials and community held

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized several Focused Group Discussions with Village Courts Officials, community, local representatives, administration and judiciary at six Union Parishads at Chuadanga, Rangpur and Moulvibazar districts from March 26 to 31, 2010. The project arranged these FGDs aiming to boost the awareness of the filed level key stakeholders and actively involve them with the process of activating the village courts at Union Parishad. The project team comprising Mr. Md. Mahboob Morshed, Legal Expert, Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin, Communication Officer and Mr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Training Manager conducted these FGDs.

The discussions disseminated the potentials of village courts and clarified the participants various aspect regarding the function and process of VCs. The participants termed the FGDs very useful as they got oriented about the potentials of VCs having necessary information, and provided insightful guidance regarding in producing project IEC/BCC materials, training needs etc. The FGDs were attended UP Chairman, members, secretaries, imams, teachers, NGOs, media and community leaders. The team also observed the trial sessions at village courts and provided necessary guidelines in conducting VC trial properly.
 
The project team also sat with District Judge, SP, Chief Judicial Magistrate, NDC, Senior Judicial Magistrate, Magistrate, President, BAR Council at district level and Upazila Nirbahi Officer, OC at upazila level and discussed about their active involvement in promoting Village Courts. They expressed their solidarity in endeavors to ensure the justice for the distressed people in rural areas and assured all necessary cooperation in implementing the project activities.

Divisional Orientation Workshop held on Activating Village Courts Project

Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project organized a divisional orientation workshop for the government officials of Chittagong division held on February 17, 2010 at Chittagong Circuit House Conference Room. The project arranged this workshop aiming to involve the field level high and mid level officials with the process of implementing the project activities through sensitizing them about the potentials in activating the village courts. The workshop indeed sensitized the government officials in focusing the potentials of VC projects with a view to activating the village courts at union parishad.

Mr. Syed Mahboob Hasan, National Project Director, Activating Village Courts Project & Additional Secretary, LGD, MoLGRD&C moderated the workshop while Mr. M. A. N. Siddique, Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong Division presided over the same.

The National Project Director said that the potentials of Village Courts Project in strengthening local justice system in the country is immense, especially it carries instrumental efforts in ensuring justice for the women, poor and marginalized people. He also opined that as per the firmed commitment, the government has taken the issue of activating village courts as a challenge to ensure good governance, welfare for the common and vulnerable people of the country. The divisional commissioner, Chittagong, Deputy Commissioner, Chittagong district also expressed their solidarity in endeavors to ensure the justice for the distressed people in rural areas and assured all necessary cooperation in implementing the project activities.

The workshop was attended by senior and mid level government officers i.e., ADCs, DDLGs of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar and UNOs from the project interventions areas. Among others, Mr. Masud Karim Ripon, Program Officer, UNDP, Mr. M Sarder Asaduzzaman, Project Manager, VC project, Mr. Hamidul H. Khan, Training Manager also attended at the workshop. The participants termed the workshop very useful as they got oriented about the potentials of VCs having necessary information, which will indeed be effective in delegating their respective roles in activating village courts accordingly. They also addressed the workshop as timely initiative in escalating the leverages to strengthening local justice system in the country and devised some recommendations in boosting the process for activating village courts effectively.

Meanwhile, the project has started activities to strengthen the local justice system through activating Village Courts (VCs) in 500 selected Union Parishads (UP) in the country. It also intends to develop capacity of the Village Courts (VC) members, elected representatives and other relevant officials in a bid to run the VCs smoothly. It also initiated carrying out comprehensive advocacy activities to involve the community and other key stakeholders actively in efforts to activating the Village Courts through enhancing their awareness on legal rights and overall local justice system. The Local Government Division (LGD), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C) is implementing this 5-year (2009 - 2013) project with the partnership of UNDP Bangladesh and European Commission.