On 24 September 2025, a high-level delegation visited the Village Court of Tungibaria Union Parishad, Barishal Sadar Upazila, to observe how Village Courts are enabling rural communities to access justice in a simple, affordable, and community-based manner. The delegation engaged in constructive discussions with the Union Parishad Chairman and members on judicial services and Village Court operations.
During the visit, the delegation also interacted with beneficiaries of the Village Court, gaining first-hand insights into how local dispute resolution has positively impacted their lives by reducing costs, saving time, and building trust in justice delivery. The visit concluded with the delegation planting fruit trees in front of the Union Parishad complex, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and long-term commitment to community development.
This initiative is supported by the European Union in Bangladesh and jointly implemented by the Government of Bangladesh and UNDP under the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (Phase-III) project.
The distinguished delegation included Ms. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Mr. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh; Mr. Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh; Mr. Asif Qshem, Programme Manager, Australian High Commission, Bangladesh; Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Ms. Surayya Akhter Jahan, Additional Secretary, Local Government Division and National Project Director, AVCB III; and Ms. Romana Schweiger, Advisor, UNDP Bangladesh. They were accompanied by Mr. Anowarul Haque, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Mr. Bibhash Chakraborty, National Project Coordinator, AVCB III; Mr. Lusikanta Hazong, Deputy Director, Local Government (DDLG); Mr. Md. Iqbal Hasan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Barishal Sadar Upazila; Mr. Nazrul Islam, Project Coordinator, AVCB III-WAVE Foundation; and other senior UNDP officials, government representatives, and project staff.
The visit highlighted the strong collaboration between the Government of Bangladesh, development partners, and UNDP in promoting inclusive access to justice for marginalized rural communities. Moving forward, such engagements will continue to strengthen Village Courts, enhance community trust, and ensure justice reaches every corner of rural Bangladesh.
