B'desh lower courts to begin normal proceedings from Aug 5

The lower courts of Bangladesh will resume normal in-person operations from August 5 after switching to an e-justice system three months ago amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Friday.

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain made the decision on consultation with senior judges of the Supreme Court, bdnews24 quoted the apex court as saying in a statement on Thursday.

The authorities must ensure that everyone follows the instructions issued by the High Court on the safety of people on the court premises and inside the courtrooms.

The Supreme Court went on a general holiday after the government announced a 66-day lockdown in March after the first coronavirus cases were detected in Bangladesh.

The country's judiciary entered a new era with the launch of e-justice as the lower courts began hearing cases remotely on May 11 following the chief justice's directives.

Lawyers filed pleas online for hearings in courts remotely via video-conferencing and other digital means.