JICA Enhances Justice Frontline: Mediation Training Under A2J Project

Syed MIZAN:::

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Law and Justice Division (LJD) of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Judicial Administration Training Institute (JATI), collaborated to conduct the Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals as part of the ‘Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practices for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project’ (A2J Project) on August 1–2, 2025, at JATI. This training program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills related to mediation among legal professionals who may serve as mediators, with the goal of providing better mediation services to the public. Ultimately, it is expected to further promote mediation in society.
The A2J Project, launched in April 2024 by JICA in partnership with LJD, aims to promote effective access to justice in Bangladesh. As an early milestone, the project successfully delivered a foundational mediation training course at JATI in November 2024 followed by an advanced course in February 2025.
In line with its commitment to expanding access to justice in Bangladesh, the A2J Project delivered a comprehensive mediation training program aimed at providing legal professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct mediation appropriately and effectively. The training combined interactive lectures with hands-on role-play exercises and featured expert instruction by Professor IRIE Hideaki, a seasoned mediation specialist invited from Japan. His sessions provided deep insight into international mediation practices and practical guidance for real-world application. A total of 50 participants—including judges, district legal aid officers, lawyers from the project’s pilot districts (Narsingdi and Cumilla), and officials from relevant judicial institutions—took part in the program. Since the start of the Project, total 240 of judges, lawyers, and other officials have received trainings for mediation cumulatively.
This initiative reflects the A2J Project’s continued commitment to building mediation capacity within the Bangladeshi legal system and strengthening people-centered dispute resolution mechanisms.
The training program concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony, during which Professor IRIE presented certificates to the participants. The event was attended by Mr. Sheikh Abu Taher, Secretary of Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Mr. ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office.

Speaking of the mediation training, ICHIGUCHI Tomohide said, “The judicial reform is now currently a national priority. The people of Bangladesh are seeking striving for a justice system that is fair, transparent, efficient, and responsive to all citizens, especially including the vulnerable. JICA remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh in this transformative journey—particularly in line with SDG Goal 16.3: to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.” 

Sheikh Abu Taher also underscored the significance of mediation in the justice system, adding, “I believe the legal professionals participating in this training program will meaningfully apply the knowledge acquired. In mediation, while adherence to rules and techniques is essential, equal importance must be given to acknowledging and respecting the emotions and needs of those involved in the process.”

JICA is confident that the participants of this training will effectively apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to conduct improved mediation services. Furthermore, they expect that the legal professionals who completed this training will actively serve as ‘Special Mediators’ newly introduced under the amended Legal Aid Services Act, and contribute to the advancement of mediation practices. Ultimately, JICA hope that a greater number of disputes will be resolved through mediation, contributing to the reduction of case backlogs and enhancing access to justice.