Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman called for legal rights and services to reach people at their doorsteps, saying paralegals play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the launch of the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual at Crowne Plaza Dhaka in Gulshan, organised jointly by the Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Directorate and Friendship.

The minister said paralegal work is not merely a profession but an important public service responsibility. Before becoming a lawyer, he worked as a paralegal to build legal awareness among marginalised communities, giving him direct experience of their role. He praised Friendship's rights-awareness work from Teknaf to Tetulia and from Rupsa to Pathuria as one of the country's leading initiatives.

Asaduzzaman urged development partners to reduce administrative and formal costs so more funding reaches beneficiaries. He also recommended making the manual shorter and more user-friendly through simple language, illustrations and summaries, while covering human rights, fundamental rights, avenues for remedy and relevant institutions. Organisers said the manual will serve as a practical training guide for grassroots paralegals to strengthen skills, expand legal awareness and support public access to justice.