Ruptly
"Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has announced it will hold virtual hearings two days a week in an effort to reduce energy consumption, as rising fuel costs continue to strain the country’s resources. However, the plan has drawn criticism from sections of the legal community, with lawyers staging protests and holding a black flag procession outside the court, as seen in footage captured on Thursday. “Conducting a case in person is smooth and manageable. Judges can easily understand and explain the case to litigants present in the courtroom. The virtual format complicates this. Therefore, we discourage conducting court work virtually, as it leads to prolonged trials,” said Rudho Mustafa, one of the protesters. “Virtual courts have led to stagnation in the trial process, leaving citizens' pleas for justice on the verge of being overlooked. We urge our judicial guardians to consider the implications of prolonging a culture of impunity,” added another lawyer, Mahbubur Rahman Khan. The decision, confirmed by officials in Dhaka, will see proceedings conducted online every Wednesday and Thursday, with judges, lawyers and litigants joining via video conferencing. Urgent or sensitive cases will continue to be heard in person. Authorities say the move is aimed at cutting electricity use, reducing paper consumption and lowering emissions linked to daily travel. Concerns have also been raised about internet access, particularly for clients in rural areas. “Direct trials allow us to hear many cases effectively, which is not possible virtually. Widespread internet issues in Bangladesh hinder timely hearings, resulting in fewer cases being addressed virtually and delayed support for trial candidates," said Khurshid Alam, a third protester. Bangladesh, like many countries, is grappling with energy pressures linked to global fuel price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The new system is set to begin next week, with the court expected to review the arrangement after three months."
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