Law and Governance
Key Challenges in Law and Governance
Judicial Inefficiency
Chronic backlog of over 4 million cases due to underfunding and resource shortages delays justice and weakens trust. Delayed justice is seen to deteriorate public trust in the judiciary.
Systemic Corruption
Weak legal frameworks, curtailed authority of the ACC, and pervasive corruption in public procurement and bureaucratic processes hinder accountability. Widespread malpractice in the e-GP system fueled by collusion, single-bid tenders, bribery, and lack of transparency. Limited monitoring and accountability mechanisms for large-scale contracts.
Electoral Integrity Issues
Political interference, lack of autonomy in the Election Commission, and ineffective enforcement of electoral codes undermine free and fair elections.
Erosion of Constitutional Protections
Marginalized groups face inadequate legal safeguards, with Articles 27 and 23A requiring reforms to ensure equality and protect indigenous rights.
Custodial Abuses
Persistent custodial torture and deaths highlight weak oversight, enforcement, and accountability in law enforcement.
Resistance to Reform
Political and bureaucratic resistance, coupled with resource constraints, obstructs meaningful progress in governance reform.
Reform matrix
Policy Objectives
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Outcomes
Potential Impact
Key Stakeholders
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Increase funding for judiciary
Implement digital case management tools
Unbiased recruitment of additional judges
Outcomes
Reduced case backlog
Faster resolution of disputes
Independent audits to guarantee that transfers, hiring, and promotions are free from political influence
Potential Impact
Restored public trust and improved access to justice
Key Stakeholders
ACC, Judiciary, Ministry of Law, Parliament, Civil Society
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Capacity building of the employees
Designing user-centric websites, with the establishment of feedback mechanisms
Outcomes
Enhanced access to government services, and improved service delivery
Higher service satisfaction rate of users
Potential Impact
Increased efficiency in public service delivery
Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Law, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Restoring the autonomy of ACC
Revise legal frameworks (including Section 42 of the Public Service Act of 2018 ) to empower ACC.
Enforce mandatory wealth disclosures
Outcomes
Improved accountability
Potential Impact
- Greater transparency, and enhanced business climate
Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Law, ACC
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Strengthen monitoring of public procurement Regular independent audits of the procurement processes
Mandating the e-GP system and local newspapers to publish tender notices
Enacting strict penalties for corrupt contractors and officials
Outcomes
Improved oversight
Reduced instances of single-bid contracts and collisions
Boosted efficiency
Potential Impact
- Enhanced transparency, and fair practices
Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Law, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Reform EC structure to ensure autonomy
Implement merit-based, transparent appointments for commissioners
Outcomes
Free and fair elections
Boosted public confidence in electoral processes
Potential Impact
- Strengthened democratic governance
Key Stakeholders
ACC, Judiciary, Ministry of Law
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Reform Articles 27 and 23A to ensure equality and indigenous rights
Enhance enforcement mechanisms for anti-discrimination laws
Outcomes
Better legal protections for marginalized groups and reduced discrimination
Potential Impact
- Fostered inclusivity, aligned with international human rights standards
Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliament; Judiciary; National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); Ministry of Social Welfare,
Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Local Government Institutions (Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad)
Recommended Activities for Policymakers
Establish independent oversight for law enforcement
Enforce penalties for violations
Mandate medical checks post-detention
Outcomes
Reduced incidents of torture and deaths in custody
Potential Impact
Enhanced human rights accountability
Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliament; Judiciary; National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); Civil Society
Policy Area scorecard
Priority Sector
Policy Area (e.g. Education, Environment, healthcare, Law and Governance, Economy, etc.)
Policy Objective
The reform goal of the policy
Activity
Activities undertaken to achieve the reform goal
key Stakeholder
Stakeholders mainly responsible for implementation reform activities
Current status of the indicator
End Target
Desired status of the indicator
Term (years)
Time frame to achieve the goal (e.g. 3 years, 5 years, etc.)
Year 1 target
Progress target in year 1 (FY2025/26)
Year 2 target
Progress target in year 2 (FY2026/27)
Year 3 target
Progress target in year 3 (FY2027/28)
Score
Performance score in each year Year 1: Year 2: Year 3:
Recommendation
Recommendations for improvements or corrective actions Year 1: Year 2: Year 3: