The third phase of the project to activate village courts in Bangladesh, initiated by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, was held at Sahnati Union Parishad, Gouripur Upazila, Mymensingh District, on Thursday (17 June 2026) at 12:00 PM to raise public awareness about village court services.

The program was presided over by the current chairman of Sahnati Union Parishad, Md. Chamchuzzaman. He said that the marginalized groups are still not aware of village court services, and there is no alternative to village courts to get justice in a short time and at a low cost.

A village court is a local court operated under the Union Parishad of Bangladesh, which is formed to settle small civil and criminal cases in rural areas. It creates an opportunity for the poor and disadvantaged people to get justice easily and at a low cost.

This system was introduced in 1976 by promulgating the Village Court Ordinance. Then, this system was further strengthened by enacting the Village Court Act, 2006 and the Village Court Rules, 2016. The act was first amended in 2013 and the second time in 2024. The purpose of the village court is to make the dispute resolution system more transparent and acceptable at the local level.

At this time, Upazila Coordinator Md. Ziaur Islam clearly outlined the concepts of the village court and gave awareness guidelines. He said, “It is possible to quickly resolve criminal and civil cases up to three lakh taka through the village court. This is an easy, affordable and effective judicial system for the common people of the village. Everyone should take advantage of this service and solve legal complications quickly.”

Also present were all the UP members of the Union Parishad, the Accounting Assistant cum Computer Operator, the Headmaster of Pachar Bazar High School, the village police and people from all walks of life in the area.