Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized strengthening the institutional capacity of village courts and recruiting women in the village police to ensure justice at the grassroots level and make local governance more effective. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a UNDP delegation at the Secretariat on Monday, attended by Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne and other members.

The meeting discussed the current activities and progress of the Village Court Project, focusing on enhancing its institutional capacity to deliver quick, low-cost justice for rural communities. The minister noted that village courts have long played a vital role in resolving local disputes and reducing pressure on formal courts.

He highlighted that women’s participation in local governance, particularly through recruitment in the village police, would make the system more transparent, efficient, and responsive to public needs. Both the government and UNDP expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation to improve village court effectiveness, ensure rural justice, and promote women’s empowerment.