The Practice of Rule of Law in Criminal Justice System: A Criminological Study of Bangladesh

The criminal justice systems, including that of Bangladesh, are currently experiencing significant strain, resulting in various issues such as delays in proceedings and unequal access to adjudication. These challenges contribute to a climate of impunity and undermine the integrity of the rule of law. Therefore, the main objectives of the study are to investigate the current situation of practicing rule of law and the challenges faced by the CJS department in Bangladesh. To understanding the challenges this study based on a mixed methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative analysis. For quantitative data, the social survey method is used. On the other hand, for qualitative data Key Informants Interviews are used. This study allows for a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges of the rule of law in the criminal justice system of Bangladesh. In the study it is found that police refused to register case and excluded criminal name from FIR. Faulty investigation of case is common in Justice System. Trial procedure delayed for various reasons. People also create challenges by late reporting the case and destroy evidence which creates complexity also. Corruption, political pressure, power abuse, police harassment and misbehavior, unequal law enforcement is the challenges of ensuring rule of law. Both male and female justice seeker face challenges during investigation and trial. To ensure rule of law case backlogs, corruption etc. should reduce by increasing judges and officials. To overcome such challenges this study suggests training, increase budgets for equipment, and governmental and organizational help.