Virtual courts grant bail to 39,202 over 25 days
A total of 39,202 people secured bail after their petitions were heard by virtual courts across the country till Thursday, reports UNB.
Hearing on 73,116 bail petitions was held virtually during 25 working days since 11 May, said Md Saifur Rahman, special officer of Bangladesh Supreme Court.
Court operation remained suspended since 26 March but trial proceedings through videoconference began on 11 May during the general holidays to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
On 10 May, the High Court formed three benches for hearing urgent cases virtually and directed the subordinate courts concerned to hear cases related to emergency bail.
An ordinance was promulgated that day allowing courts to run trial proceedings through video conference and other digital facilities. President Abdul Hamid promulgated the ordinance.
Later, the law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry issued a gazette notification, saying that it will take immediate effect.
The cabinet on 7 May cleared the draft of an ordinance to pave the way for courts to run trial proceedings through video conference and other digital means.