Joypurhat Correspondent:
A day-long workshop was held in Joypurhat on Monday to raise awareness about the functions of village courts and to develop a coordinated action plan involving local government and non-government institutions.
Organized by the District Administration under the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh – Phase III project, the event took place at the conference room of the Joypurhat Circuit House.
Deputy Commissioner Afroza Akhter Chowdhury attended as the chief guest. In her speech, she stated, “Village courts offer an effective means for resolving local disputes quickly and affordably. They help save both time and money, while also promoting social harmony. The administration is working to further expand and strengthen village court activities at the grassroots level.”
She also emphasized the role of media and conscious citizens in informing marginal communities about the benefits of village courts.
Other speakers included Mohammad Sabur Ali, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department; Arif Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle); Matiar Rahman, Deputy Director of Youth Development Department; Md. Imam Hasim, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services; Assistant Commissioner Mizanur Rahman from the DC office; and Rajiuar Rahman Razu, District Manager of the Village Court Activation Project.
According to data presented at the workshop, a total of 3,036 cases were filed in village courts across Joypurhat in the past year, of which 69.99% were resolved. The courts awarded approximately BDT 26.26 million in compensation during this period.
The workshop was attended by officials from various government and non-government organizations, NGO workers, and journalists from both print and electronic media.
