DHAKA, May 15, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 5,74,278 people across the country have received free legal advice and assistance under the government-funded legal aid programme from 2009 to April 2026, according to the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NALSO).

The services were provided through different legal aid channels to help indigent litigants and disadvantaged citizens gain access to justice free of cost.

According to data released by the organization, the highest number of beneficiaries - 3,20,753 people - received support through District Legal Aid Offices operating in all 64 districts across the country.

The National Helpline Center, accessible through the toll-free hotline 16699, provided legal advice and assistance to 2,04,205 people during the period.

Besides, the Supreme Court Legal Aid Office extended support to 27,167 beneficiaries, while Worker Legal Aid Cells in Dhaka and Chattogram provided legal services to 22,153 workers.

The cumulative number of beneficiaries from all service channels stood at 5,74,278 between 2009 and April 2026, the statistics showed.

The legal aid programme is being implemented under the "Legal Aid Services Act" to ensure access to justice for people who are unable to afford legal representation due to economic and social limitations.

The programme mainly targets financially insolvent, helpless and disadvantaged people seeking legal support and justice.

The National Legal Aid Services Organization functions under the Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and supervises the implementation of legal aid services nationwide.

Officials concerned said the expansion of district legal aid offices, nationwide helpline services and specialized labour support cells has significantly increased public access to legal assistance over the years.