Digital summons will reduce sufferings of justice seekers: Law minister

Law Minister Anisul Huq has said the sufferings of justice seekers would go down with the launching of digital summons as criminal case witnesses would be informed of dates to appear in court through texts on their mobile phones.

"This would certainly save time and money for witnesses and the state as well. It would also ensure transparency and accountability in the judiciary," he said at the launching of SMS summons at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The system was launched in Cumilla and Narsingdi under a pilot programme, said a law ministry press release.

Apart from text messages, the witnesses will also receive the conventional summons.   

The minister said one of the reasons for the massive case backlogs in Bangladesh is the failure of witnesses to appear before court on time, adding that summoning the witnesses through texts would play a crucial role in establishing justice.

"Since the message will be delivered to mobile phone, none would be able to deny receiving it. This will create a responsibility among the witnesses for speedy disposal of the case. As a result, appearing in court on time will be expedited," said the minister.

Anisul said the system would be implemented across the country after reviewing the outcomes of the piloting.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar joined the launching as the special guest. He termed the service another historic milestone in building a digital Bangladesh.

Presided over by Law and Justice Division Secretary Md Golam Sarwar, the launching ceremony was addressed by Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Md Afzal Hossain, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Secretary Md Moinul Kabir, Cumilla District and Sessions Judge Md Atabullah, Narsingdi District and Sessions Judge Mostak Ahmed, and Teletalk Bangladesh Managing Director Md Sahab Uddin.