Village Courts in Bangladesh bring justice, trust, and peace to the grassroots

Bringing swift, affordable justice to rural communities through community-led dispute resolution.

July 2, 2025

A group of people seated in a hall, facing speakers at a table, with banners on the walls. — A Village Court session in rural Bangladesh ensures swift, affordable justice and restores harmony in the community.

©UNDP Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Village Courts are transforming access to justice for millions living in rural areas. These community-led courts settle minor civil and criminal disputes close to home, swiftly, affordably, and with dignity. More than 3,000 Village Courts are active across the country, resolving local conflicts and easing the burden on formal courts.

Akhtar Hossain signs his witness statement during a Village Court session, marking a step toward justice through accessible community-based legal support.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Take the story of Akhtar Hossain from Singari village in Jashore, a southwestern district of Bangladesh. When his nephew Tamim was seriously injured in a fight at the local bus stand, Akhtar tried to settle the matter directly with the other party, Robiul Sardar. When that failed, he turned to the Village Court, paying only 10 taka (USD 0.081) to file the case, compared to high costs and delays in conventional courts.

In just 25 days, the court panel, formed with representatives from both sides, heard the case and ordered Robiul to pay 100,000 taka (USD 820) in compensation. Robiul accepted the verdict willingly, saying, “Seeing my nominated member in the panel made it fair. Most importantly, I regained my relationship with Akhtar.”

Akhtar Hossain and Robiul Sardar celebrate reconciliation after a Village Court verdict, restoring peace and unity in their community.

©UNDP Bangladesh

For Akhtar, the relief was immense: “We got justice at almost no cost. The Village Court brought peace back to our community.”

Through simple, trusted, and transparent processes, Bangladesh’s Village Courts are not just resolving disputes, they’re rebuilding trust and harmony where it matters most.