| dc.description.abstract | The effectiveness of a criminal justice system is often measured by its ability to
ensure fair trials, secure convictions against offenders, and uphold the rule of law. In
Bangladesh, the lower success rate of criminal cases has emerged as a significant
challenge to the administration of justice. A considerable number of criminal cases
result in acquittals, dismissals, withdrawals, or prolonged delays, raising concerns
regarding the efficiency and credibility of the criminal justice system. This study
critically examines the factors responsible for the low success rate of criminal cases in
Bangladesh and explores possible solutions for improving the effectiveness of
criminal justice administration.
The research adopts a qualitative and analytical approach based on the examination of
relevant laws, judicial practices, scholarly literature, government reports, and
institutional studies. The study identifies several key factors contributing to
unsuccessful criminal prosecutions, including defective police investigations,
inadequate collection and preservation of evidence, limited forensic facilities, witness
hostility, corruption, political interference, weak prosecution services, and excessive
judicial delays. These challenges collectively undermine the ability of the courts to
establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and consequently reduce conviction rates.
The findings reveal that many of the obstacles affecting criminal case outcomes are
institutional and administrative in nature rather than purely legal. Although
Bangladesh possesses a comprehensive legal framework governing criminal justice,
deficiencies in implementation, accountability, coordination, and resource allocation
continue to hinder effective enforcement. The study further demonstrates that
prolonged case backlogs and procedural complexities negatively affect both victims
and accused persons while weakening public confidence in the justice system.
To address these challenges, the study proposes a number of reforms, including
strengthening investigative capacity, expanding forensic services, establishing
effective witness protection mechanisms, enhancing prosecutorial independence and
professionalism, reducing judicial delays through technological innovation,
combating corruption, and improving coordination among criminal justice
institutions. The research concludes that sustainable improvements in the success rate
v
of criminal cases require comprehensive legal, institutional, and administrative
reforms supported by strong political commitment and effective governance.
Ultimately, improving the success rate of criminal cases is essential not only for
ensuring justice for victims and accountability for offenders but also for strengthening
the rule of law, promoting public trust in legal institutions, and advancing democratic
governance in Bangladesh. | en_US |
