Village Courts: Bringing Justice Closer to Rural Women

April 27, 2025

"I never thought I could get justice so quickly, and for just BDT 20 (USD 0.18)," said Koli Akter, a woman from rural Chattogram who once believed justice was beyond her reach.

For women like Koli, seeking justice was once a distant, almost impossible dream. Court cases meant long travels, high expenses, and endless delays. But today, thanks to the Village Court system, justice is finally within reach—simple, affordable, and close to home.

A woman in a purple sari washes clothes while a boy plays with a ball nearby. — Illustration © Sonia Farjana/UNDP

Koli, 33, lived a peaceful life in Madhyam Ahla Karaldenga village of Boalkhali, Chattogram. Her husband, Razzak Karim, worked abroad to support their extended family. When his father passed away, Koli stood by her mother-in-law and younger brother-in-law, maintaining harmony at home with care and dignity.

A young woman in a purple sari hands a small gold box to an elderly woman in an orange sari. — Illustration © Sonia Farjana/UNDP

One day, Razzak sent gold ornaments worth BDT 3,00,000 (approx. USD 2,730) as a gift for Koli. In a gesture of trust and respect, she handed them over to her mother-in-law, believing they would be safest with her.

A woman in a purple sari offers a jewelry box to another woman in an orange sari, who looks angry. — Illustration © Sonia Farjana/UNDP

But life took an unexpected turn. Neighbors whispered that Anwara Begum, Koli’s mother-in-law, had secretly transferred all family property to the younger son. When Koli gently asked about the ornaments, she was shocked to hear Anwara deny ever receiving them.

A man writes at a table while two women observe, one in a purple sari and one in orange. — Illustration © Sonia Farjana/UNDP

Heartbroken, Koli tried to settle the matter within the family—but confusion and conflicting advice only deepened her distress. A relative then suggested she approach the Village Court, an official forum under the Union Parishad that settles minor civil and criminal cases quickly and affordably.

A colorful courtroom scene with a judge, witnesses, and an audience of diverse people. — Illustration © Sonia Farjana/UNDP

With just BDT 20 (approx. USD 0.18), Koli lodged her complaint. The Village Court accepted the case, and both parties were called to testify. For the first time, Koli felt her voice mattered—not behind closed doors, but in a fair, transparent setting.

After hearing both sides, the Village Court ruled in Koli’s favor. Anwara agreed to pay BDT 3,00,000 (approx. USD 2,730) as compensation. The payment was made within 14 days, with all formalities completed and witnessed by the community, bringing closure to a painful chapter.

Overwhelmed with relief, Koli said, “Without the Village Court, I could never have gone to the police or the regular court.” She deposited the compensation in a bank and began encouraging others in her village to seek help through Village Courts.

The Village Court system in Bangladesh was first introduced in 2006 to bring justice closer to rural communities. Since 2009, it has grown significantly, resolving over 333,000 disputes across the project working areas, offering timely and affordable solutions to local people. The system has been implementing by the Local Government Division (LGD) of Bangladesh with the technical and financial support from the European Union, UNDP and Government of Bangladesh. This collaborative effort ensures that justice is not only affordable and accessible but also rooted in the communities it serves.

Before Village Courts, rural women like Koli had little hope of accessing justice. Legal battles meant long travels to district courts, heavy costs, and endless social barriers. Many disputes were either abandoned or unfairly settled, leaving women silenced. Today, thanks to Village Courts and committed partners, justice is no longer a privilege—it is a right within reach, for everyone, everywhere.