Strengthening Forensic Evidence in Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects for Criminal Justice Reform

Abstract

The criminal justice system in Bangladesh has problems because it takes too long to reach a decision and doesn't always get the right one. This is because forensic evidence isn't used enough. Forensic evidence is very important for prosecutions, but the system has problems, such as not having enough workers and not having enough infrastructures. This means that fewer than 10% of people who go to trial are found guilty, there are millions of cases waiting to be heard, and people don't trust the system anymore. Big Issues because they have too many cases to work on, forensic labs don't have the most up to date tools for DNA or trace analysis. There are less than 200 qualified professionals, and the police often make mistakes at crime scenes. Old laws like the Evidence Act of 1872 don't take forensic evidence into account when it comes to big crimes. People can get away with crimes more easily when there is corruption, political involvement, ignorance, and bad digital forensics. Options for change put money into labs in different parts of the country, mobile units, and money from both the public and private sectors. Train academies and work with Interpol and the FBI to build up their skills. The goal is to have more than 500 experts in five years. To speed up trials and get the forensic evidence that the law requires, make task groups from different agencies. Expected result: Just like pilot DNA programs, AI technologies and awareness campaigns can help things run more smoothly. Changes could raise the conviction rate to 40-50%, which is fair and effective justice around the world.