United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Law and Justice Division of Bangladesh jointly launched a National Justice Coordination Committee on Tuesday in order to improve the justice service delivery in Bangladesh.

National Justice Coordination Committee (NJCC) is expected to create a significant impact on the justice system in Bangladesh as the committee will provide oversight and act as an advisory body for the whole justice sector as well as lead the sector’s strategic reform process, said the UNDP, reports the UNB.

Equitable access to justice for all citizens including women and vulnerable groups is a key priority for the Government of Bangladesh, which is also in line with the Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) of SDGs.

Attending the launching event as the chief guest at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Law Minister Anisul Huq said judiciary reform is crucial for the improvement of justice service delivery in Bangladesh.

He said there are many agencies in the justice sector but lack of coordination and cooperation among the agencies is hindering the delivery of justice efficiently.

‘The National Justice Coordination Committee is launched today will help to improve the case management and justice service delivery,’ he said.

The Law Minister said Bangladesh government considers that the establishment of the NJCC would contribute to the improved analysis of problems in the justice sector and ensure that resources are used as cost-effectively as possible.

Chaired by the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the NJCC is an inclusive multi-disciplinary forum which includes major justice sector actors and executive level policy makers and key agencies outside the sector such as the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Earlier, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh Sudipto Mukerjee said strengthened institutions that better serve and protect human rights of all citizens including women and vulnerable groups, is one of the major outcomes, mentioned in the United Nations Development Framework.

‘Through this initiative we are working with the government to ensure the access to justice for poverty eradication and human development, addressing all inequalities. Without ensuring that, we can’t achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.’