Chief Justice ATM Afzal and Law Minister Abdul Matin Khasru had a meeting with World Bank Vice President Meiko Nishimizu in Washington Tuesday morning, reports BSS.

They discussed legal and Judicial reforms in Bangladesh with Nishimizu.

The Chief Justice said the Supreme Court of Bangladesh is interested in measures to improve court management. Computerisation of courts and infrastructure development are the key areas of priorities to go hand in hand with legal and judicial reforms.

Law Minister Khasru said good governance is a major commitment of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The first bill passed in the present parliament was for setting up of a permanent Law Commission. This was followed by a series of steps to improve court management and to make the legal system more accessible to the people and more sensitive to the growing needs of the private sector in a globalised economy. In this regard, Khasru mentioned the Judicial Administration Training Institute, the setting up of Grameen Courts, which is under process, and legal aid for the vulnerable people.

Law Minister Khasru said the government has approved a bill for setting up of an independent Human Rights Commission. which further highlights the commitment to make the legal system peoplefriendly. Organogram for the Ombudsman's office has also been approved, he informed.

He said the Judicial and legal capacity building project that

the Ministry of Law has drawn up with full participation of the judiciary and other concerned sections of society will help Bangladesh make rapid strides in the area of good governance. The participatory approach followed in drawing up the strategy of reform is unique and has given the project a firm foundation. The reforms will, among other things, supplement and strengthen the government's ongoing efforts like enactment of Banking Company Law and establishment of Bankruptcy Courts to bring about discipline in the financial sector.

The Bangladesh Law Minister said the judiciary enjoys high credibility and respect of all citizens. With the help of the judiciary, the project will turn out to be a model, the minister said. He said he was happy that the World Bank has agreed to be a partner in the project.

■ Nishimizu said she holds the commitment of the government to good governance and the steps already taken in this regard in high appreciation. In spite of the great odds, Bangladesh is a country of great potential, said Nishimizu.