Special courts on anvil in divisions to help expats 

The government plans to establish special courts at divisional headquarters to expedite disputes involving expatriates’ money and property, while a proposed age limit of 35 for entry into the legal profession aims to raise professional standards.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman outlined the initiatives at two separate events in Dhaka on Tuesday, highlighting measures to protect expatriates’ interests, strengthen professional accountability and improve legal services.

Speaking at the ‘Sonar Manush Sammilan’, organised by the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) at Hotel InterContinental to mark its 30th anniversary, the minister explained that the proposed courts would exclusively hear cases involving expatriates.

“As part of our agenda, we are planning to establish special courts for expatriates. Specifically, the plan is to set up these courts at divisional headquarters. These courts will work to resolve various types of crises faced by expatriates,” he stated.

“Any legal cases involving expatriates will be conducted exclusively in these specialised courts.”

He noted that expatriates often face lengthy litigation over money sent home or property purchased in Bangladesh, incurring legal expenses while living abroad. In some cases, plaintiffs die before disputes are resolved, leaving their heirs to continue the proceedings.

The minister informed the gathering that legislation for the proposed courts was being drafted, with the government considering public consultation and the possibility of placing the proposal before Parliament in its next session.

Asaduzzaman revealed that 5,000 visas had been cancelled in the United Arab Emirates, while renewals of many others remained pending. He blamed unscrupulous recruiting agencies for submitting fraudulent documents, including certificates purportedly issued by non-existent organisations.

Documents submitted for workers travelling abroad are being scrutinised using artificial intelligence (AI), and the relevant authorities are taking legal action over fraudulent credentials, he added.
The minister also highlighted round-the-clock legal assistance through the Legal Aid Directorate for expatriates and their children, including preliminary advice from officials holding the rank of joint district judge and mediation to resolve disputes.