Bangladesh is currently undergoing a significant phase of digital transformation. The expansion of information technology, online services, smart governance, and rapid communication systems has brought changes to almost every sector of the country. However, many citizens, particularly the younger generation, believe that the justice system has not yet progressed at the pace expected in the digital era. In their view, it is inconsistent with the standards of a modern state for litigants to spend years pursuing justice through lengthy court proceedings.
Many legal experts believe that meaningful reforms and modernization of the judicial system require effective initiatives from political leaders and policymakers. They argue that if the country's leadership prioritizes judicial reform and takes the necessary measures, long-standing issues such as prolonged court procedures and unnecessary delays could be significantly reduced. As a result, ordinary citizens would have greater access to timely and efficient justice.
Even today, court cases often take an excessively long time to be resolved. In many instances, hearings continue for months or even years before a verdict is reached. Consequently, litigants suffer not only psychologically but also financially. Frequent court appearances, legal expenses, and lost working hours impose a substantial burden on ordinary citizens.
Reasons Behind Youth Frustration
The younger generation believes that the slow pace of the justice system is unacceptable in a technology-driven age. In the past, when administrative processes relied entirely on paper-based documentation and handwritten records, lengthy proceedings were somewhat understandable. However, with the availability of advanced digital technologies today, maintaining the same level of inefficiency fails to meet public expectations.
Young people frequently complain that court proceedings are often postponed without meaningful progress, with new hearing dates being assigned repeatedly. As a result, valuable time is lost while little advancement is made toward resolving the case. This situation erodes public confidence in the judiciary and contributes to widespread frustration.
Punctuality and Administrative Weaknesses
One of the major complaints of litigants is that court proceedings do not always begin on time. In many courts, there is uncertainty regarding when judges will take the bench. In some cases, proceedings begin around noon or even after lunch, forcing litigants and their families to wait for hours.
Such delays not only waste time but also create significant mental stress. In an era where every minute is valuable, inefficiency and irregularity within the justice system are becoming increasingly unacceptable to the public.
The Need for Swift Justice in Serious Criminal Cases
Cases involving rape, murder, robbery, violence against women, and child abuse require urgent and timely resolution. When such cases remain pending for extended periods, victims and their families suffer severe emotional distress. Establishing specific timeframes for the disposal of these cases is essential. Moreover, delays in punishing offenders can send negative signals to society and undermine public trust in the rule of law.
A large segment of the youth believes that if suspects in rape cases remain under trial for months or years after arrest, the fundamental purpose of justice is compromised. Therefore, effective mechanisms should be established to ensure that certain categories of serious crimes are adjudicated within a specified period.
The Importance of Technology-Driven Judicial Services
According to legal experts, the justice system must fully embrace technology to become more efficient and responsive to modern needs. The implementation of e-filing, online hearings, digital record management, automated case-tracking systems, and modern court management software can significantly improve the speed and transparency of judicial proceedings.
The experience gained from operating virtual courts during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the potential benefits of technology in the judiciary. Expanding such initiatives could help reduce case backlogs, save time, and minimize public suffering.
Causes of Case Backlogs and Delays
Several factors contribute to the prolonged nature of judicial proceedings. One of the primary reasons is the imbalance between the number of judges and the growing volume of cases. Inadequate infrastructure and shortages of support staff also create significant challenges. Furthermore, unnecessary adjournments, the absence of witnesses, and various administrative complications frequently hinder case progress.
Some legal experts also argue that a small number of legal practitioners may intentionally prolong cases to retain clients for longer periods. While this allegation does not apply universally, it has been discussed in legal and public circles for many years. Addressing such unethical practices requires stronger oversight and greater accountability.
Government Initiatives and Responsibilities
The government must take prompt and effective measures to improve the judicial system. Experts recommend establishing time limits for case disposal, expanding digital court services, increasing the number of judges, improving court infrastructure, and taking firm action against unnecessary delays.
It is equally important to cultivate a culture in which court proceedings begin and conclude according to a fixed schedule. Enhancing accountability, professionalism, and efficiency within the judiciary would strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Ekramul Kabir has stated that greater emphasis should be placed on judicial working hours to make the justice system more effective and citizen-friendly. He believes that witness examinations should be completed promptly, older cases should be resolved within specified timeframes, and legislation should require investigation reports to be submitted within one to three months. According to him, implementing such measures would enable citizens to receive justice more quickly and reduce the long-standing harassment and time loss associated with court proceedings.
An effective judicial system is one of the fundamental pillars of good governance and the rule of law. Although Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in digital development, the judiciary has yet to fully achieve the speed, efficiency, and modernization expected by the public. Consequently, both ordinary citizens and the younger generation remain concerned about the system's existing limitations.
Young people envision a justice system where cases are resolved promptly, unnecessary harassment is eliminated, technology is utilized to its fullest potential, and citizens are not forced to wait years to obtain justice. Through timely policy decisions, administrative reforms, and technology-driven initiatives, it is possible to build a more efficient, transparent, and people-centered judicial system. Such progress would not only strengthen public trust but also enhance the nation's reputation and commitment to justice.