DHAKA: The government has decided to form an independent Human Rights Commission within this month.

“The Commission will comprise six members, including a chairman,” said law minister barrister Shafique Ahmed at a seminar Saturday.

Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS), a non-government development organisation, organised the seminar titled ‘Proper use of district legal assistance fund’ at a city hotel.

In his speech as the chief guest, he also said a committee was formed to provide legal aid to the poor. “A pilot project in this regard has already been carried out in seven districts.”

The mass media have also to play a role in making people aware about the legal aid, he stated.

The minister urged lawyers of every district bar to ensure legal aid to the poor.

Chairperson of Jatiyo Mahila Parishad advocate Salma Ali said, ”A victim of domestic violence has basic rights to get judicial help as well as justice.“

Executive director of Ain-O-Salish Kendro and adviser of former caretaker government Sultana Kamal said, ”All districts of the country do not get the legal-aid fund equally. It is people’s basic right to get free legal aid from the government. The government gives legal assistance to people on behalf of the state.”

Co-ordinator of RDRS Manjusri Saha read out the keynote at the seminar. Advocate ZI Khan Panna moderated the meet while environmentalist advocate Rezwana Hasan delivered the concluding speech.

BDST: 07:00 Hrs, June 19, 2010.
JA/AHS/MS/SMS/MUA