(BSS) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today called for institutionalising paralegal services through coordinated efforts by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to bring legal assistance to the doorsteps of marginalised and disadvantaged people.

He said a consensus on formulating guidelines and an action plan for paralegal services would provide clear direction for future initiatives to
ensure wider access to justice.

"Paralegals can play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for ordinary people while easing pressure on courts and prisons, as already demonstrated in practice. Institutionalising these services would make legal assistance more accessible to marginalised and disadvantaged people," Md Asaduzzaman said.

The minister said this at an international conference titled "Paralegal Advisory Services (PAS) for Advancing People-Centred Justice" at the
Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCICC). Expressing gratitude to the German government, the European Union and GIZ for
their support for the initiative, he said their continued cooperation would be crucial to making legal services more accessible and institutionalising paralegal services in Bangladesh.

The conference discussed guidelines and an action plan to shape the future framework for paralegal services, focusing on formal recognition of
paralegals, government-NGO partnerships, skills development training, service quality standards and sustainable financing.

Organized jointly by Law and Justice Division and Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid (DBLA, the two-day conference was participated by senior government officials, representatives from the judiciary, legal aid, civil society and development partners, among others.

Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU) delegation to Bangladesh Mr. Michal Krejza and German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz., among others, addressed the conference.

Experts from Malawi, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan also shared their respective countries` experiences in integrating paralegal services into
their justice systems at the event.