However, the ministry conducts research, advises cattlemen, enforces bans on blow trapping and performs some other responsibilities. A total of Tk 31.96 billion was allocated to the ministry to fulfill these responsibilities in the financial year 2021-22. This was increased to Tk 42.40 billion in 2023-24FY. This allocation is double that of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. We are not saying that we will not eat fish, goat and cow. But more budget should be allocated for the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
3.
Whenever the budget season arrives, various sections get busy negotiating the allocation of funds with the Finance Ministry.
We have a statutory body called Bangladesh Bar Council. To become an advocate, it is necessary to pass a rigorous written and oral examination conducted by the Bar Council. Last year, around 51,000 LLB graduates appeared for the Bar Council exam, and only a little more than 3,000 passed. Successful candidates can now identify themselves as advocates and represent clients.
The Bar Council has done a commendable job by making the bar examinations difficult. It would have been better if the Bar Council had also raised its voice about inadequate funding for law and justice. People seeking justice are burdened with piles of cases. There is no sympathy for the indescribable difficulty of appearing in courts for months, years or even decades in various matters, including criminal and civil cases. There are bar associations in every district, but they remain silent on this issue.
Another peculiar thing is that our government lacks a dedicated cadre service for lawyers. There are no formal rules regarding the appointment, tenure or dismissal of lawyers who are responsible for proving the accused guilty in criminal cases on behalf of the government. Everything is left to the mercy of the 'huzoors' (job-giving officials).