Country's First ODR Center Launched

Bangladesh’s first Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Center has been inaugurated at the Paikgachha Chauki Court premises in Khulna. Established by the non-governmental organization Friendship in collaboration with the Judiciary, the center was officially launched on Friday (August 21) by Khulna Senior District and Sessions Judge Chand Mohammad Abdul Alim Al Raji.

Joining virtually, Director General of the National Legal Aid Services Organization, Manjurul Hossain, noted that the ODR initiative will make access to justice easier, faster, and more affordable for marginalized people in remote areas, acting as a supportive arm to the existing legal framework.

Delivering the chief guest address, Senior District and Sessions Judge Chand Mohammad Abdul Alim Al Raji highlighted that over 4 million cases are currently pending across courts in Bangladesh. With a limited number of judges, resolving this backlog via traditional court proceedings alone is nearly impossible, making Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) imperative.

"Supreme Court records show there are 1,964 judges in district courts, with nearly 200 on deputation. While formal litigation leaves one winning party and one losing party, mediation fosters mutual compromise, preserving family and community relationships," Judge Al Raji stated. He emphasized that the ODR system will save significant travel time and expense for residents of remote coastal areas like Paikgachha and Koyra.

Presiding over the event, Ayesha Taasin Khan, Senior Director and Head of Inclusive Citizenship at Friendship, stated that leveraging digital tools removes geographical and financial barriers, bringing justice directly to citizens' doorsteps.

Khulna District Legal Aid Officer Romana Afroz attended as a special guest, while Advocate Ashiquzzaman, Assistant General Manager (Law) at Friendship, detailed the operational structure of the ODR center. Paikgachha Chauki Court Judicial Magistrate Masum Billah, Civil Judge Hazrat Ali, Upazila Executive Officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury, and Paikgachha Bar Association President Advocate G M Abdus Sattar were also present.

Earlier on August 15, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman inaugurated a coordination meeting on accelerating digital legal aid in Gazipur, noting that while technology simplifies legal access, potential risks regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration must be carefully managed.
//DBTech/PBO/SME//