Virtual Court Hearing: 33,155 Get Bail in 20 Days

A total of 33,155 people were bailed out after their petitions were heard by virtual courts across the country till Thursday.

Hearing on 60,389 bail petitions was held virtually during 20 working days, said Md Saifur Rahman, special officer of Bangladesh Supreme Court.

The operation of the Court remained suspended since 26 March but the videoconference proceedings began on 11 May during the general holidays in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

On 10 May, the High Court formed three courts for the virtual hearing of urgent cases and ordered the subordinate courts concerned to hear cases relating to emergency bail.

An ordinance was promulgated that day allowing courts to run trial proceedings through videoconference and other digital facilities. President Abdul Hamid promulgated the ordinance.

Later, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs released a gazette, saying that this will take place immediately.

On 7 May, the Cabinet approved the draft Ordinance to pave the way for courts to hold hearings by videoconferencing and other digital means.

Source: UNB