Virtual courts at districts soon: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government will introduce activities of virtual courts at district level during this coronavirus situation to ensure judicial services for justice seekers.

"During this coronavirus pandemic, it's tough to conduct court activities. We've taken steps for virtual courts. In Keraniganj Jail, courtroom has been prepared. In this way, courtrooms will be established at district level jails so that cases can be run through online. We're taking steps," she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating the newly-constructed Women Central Jail at Keraniganj as well as an LPG station there from her official residence Gono Bhaban through a videoconference.

She also formally opened 20 newly-constructed fire service stations in different parts of the country and six regional passport offices in six district headquarters.

The premier said steps are being taken to introduce hearing in virtual courts using digital technology to lessen sufferings of justice seekers.

Hasina mentioned that steps have also been taken to publish Bangla translation of the verdicts which are given in English.

Pointing out the painful jail life of Bangabandhu, Hasina said her government has taken all necessary steps to modernise the jails and turn those into centres for changing mentality and behaviour of the convicted persons.

She said members of a jailed person's family have no fault but they suffer due to the imprisonment of their near and dear ones.

Keeping this in mind, the government has brought necessary changes to the jails of the country and is providing training to the imprisoned so that they can earn money for the family working in jail, she said.

About fire stations, the prime minister said her government is constructing fire stations in every upazila and fire stations have already been constructed in 457 upazilas.

In this regard, she directed the authorities concerned to build fire stations even in union level, if necessary, to ensure safety of people.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan also spoke on the occasion from Fire Service and Civil Defence Department at Kazi Alauddin Road in Dhaka.