In the quiet Union Parishads of Barishal, a transformation is taking place, the long-stagnant wheels of local justice are turning once more. For 16 years, these village courts – designed to be the first resort for rural citizens – languished under the weight of partisan political influence.
Now, however, the scenario are markedly different, with residents queuing not for political favours, but for merit-based justice delivered free of charge at their doorsteps.
Since the pivotal events of 5 August, village court activities have seen a dramatic resurgence across the 88 Union Parishads of the district’s 10 upazilas.
The numbers tell a story of rapid restoration: out of 1,982 complaints filed over the past year, an impressive 96 per cent has been resolved since August. The effectiveness of these local rulings is further evidenced by a 97.86 per cent implementation rate, resulting in the recovery of Tk2,93,93,485 in compensation for aggrieved parties.
For people like Mosharraf, a resident of Tumchar in Chandramohan Union, this shift has meant the end of a wearying land boundary dispute with his neighbour, Khalek Khondokar, that had remained unsettled for a long time.
Similarly, Morsheda Begum from Memania Union in Hizla found relief when her three-month-old dispute over 21 decimals of land was settled fairly. “I am happy with such a verdict,” she shared, noting that locals now prefer the village court for local disputes because the quality of justice has improved.
This surge in confidence is being felt directly by those administering the system. Momena Khatun, an Accounting Assistant at Charkaua Union with three years of experience, observed that the volume of complaints since August is several times higher than in previous years.
“Previously, everyone feared they wouldn’t get justice because of political interference; now that fear is gone, replaced by a belief in receiving fair trial,” she explained. The demand is so high that courts that once sat once a week now operate daily, sometimes stretching late into the night to manage the caseload.
The judicial process relies on a balanced five-member arbitration board. This board comprises a Panel Chairman, the concerned Ward Member, and two local representatives—one chosen by each of the two parties.
Sirajul Haque Master, Chairman of No. 10 Chandramohan Union, believes their primary success lies in their ability to bring neighbours together.
“They are neighbours; disputes can happen,” he said, explaining that mediating issues like land boundaries, financial transactions, and women’s issues helps maintain peace at the grassroots level.
The impact of these courts reaches well beyond village boundaries, alleviating the burden on the formal legal system. Over the last year, 440 women applied for legal redress, and the higher judiciary referred 54 cases back to these local bodies.
Advocate Zakir Hossain Mintu Molla, Additional PP of the First Additional District Sessions Judge Court, argues that if 100 cases are resolved at the village level annually, it directly reduces the crushing pressure and human backlog in the formal courts by the same margin.
Kamal Banerjee, District Manager of the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Phase III Project, provided a breakdown of case acceptance rates across the district: Wazirpur (5.5%), Babuganj (4.3%), Bakerganj (4.1%), Agailjhara (4.0%), Gournadi (3.7%), Mehendiganj (3.6%), Barishal Sadar (3.5%), Muladi (3.0%), Hizla (3.0%), and Banaripara (2.6%).
He emphasised that while courtyard meetings and training for chairmen and members are ongoing, intensified publicity is needed to reach those in marginal areas who remain unaware of these services.
Looking ahead, the district administration is committed to making these courts even more vibrant.
Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Khairul Alam Suman has announced plans to conduct upazila-level camps to increase awareness and provide updated training for those involved in the judicial process.
Through these representatives and intensified campaigns, the government aims to ensure that village courts remain a popular and powerful tool for resolving the disputes of the rural poor.
