1. Global Perspective — Use and Experience of AI Technology in Courts:

In many countries, digitalization in courts and the judicial system is rapidly increasing: e-filing, online hearings, and digital record preservation.

Alongside this, initiatives to use AI or algorithmic assistance have been undertaken in several countries — such as case document analysis, judgment summarization, and predictive modeling.

However, there are some fundamental limitations regarding the use of AI in the justice system — lack of adequate data, risks of misunderstanding linguistic and cultural contexts, and concerns over legal ethics and accountability.

[Professor M. A. Barnik]

United Kingdom: Published guidelines for judicial officers on the use of AI, clearly defining its roles, risks, and monitoring mechanisms.

Italy/Europe: Under the “e-Justice” model, some countries have made courts technologically adaptive, introducing the early stages of AI implementation.

China: There is controversy that the use of algorithms in judicial decision-making has raised questions of fairness and transparency.

India: Under India’s ‘e-Courts’ initiative, AI-supported summarization, translation, and case-tracking systems have been introduced as part of judicial modernization.

2. Lessons and Cautions:

The role of AI in the justice system can never be a substitute for the authority of judges — rather, it must remain an assistive tool.

Especially when linguistic, cultural, or data-based biases exist, AI models may produce flawed or biased conclusions.

In the rapid application of technology, regulation, ethics, accountability, and transparency must all be ensured simultaneously.

3. Situation in Bangladesh:

National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2024 (Draft): An advanced initiative by the Government of Bangladesh, where AI-supported services are specifically mentioned.

In the judicial process, several digital transformation initiatives have been noticed — such as the Digital Legal Aid Project under the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO).

In many areas, digital services have already been introduced in the judiciary, which can serve as a foundation for future AI applications — for instance, online legal aid.

The country’s ICT sector is growing rapidly, digital capacity is increasing (although concrete measures in AI-based judiciary applications remain limited).

A policy framework has already been prepared — a promising beginning.

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4. Weaknesses and Challenges:

There is a significant shortfall in the digitization of data and records — scattered old verdicts, unorganized private records, and insufficient technological and linguistic support for the Bengali language.

In applying AI to judicial processes, issues of law, ethics, transparency, and accountability have not yet been adequately addressed.

Currently, maintaining human-in-the-loop control and judicial discretion is a key concern — as reliance on technology increases, human-based judicial reasoning might be compromised.

Technological capacity, cost, training, and linguistic readiness (AI models in Bengali) remain limited — as several studies have highlighted.

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5. Potential Areas for AI Application in the Judiciary:

(1) Case Record Preservation, Search, and Tracking:
AI-based systems can be used for quick retrieval and analysis of judicial verdict data.

(2) Translation and Linguistic Processing:
AI-assisted systems can reduce time and costs for translating judgments, court notices, and orders between Bengali and English. For example, the “Amar Vasha” translation tool has been utilized in such processes.

(3) Outcome Prediction and Judgment Analysis:
Such possibilities have been mentioned in the national policy.

(4) Digital Legal Aid and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR):
Bangladesh has already initiated these programs.

6. Comparative Analysis (Bangladesh vs. Global):

Aspect Global Context Bangladesh

Policy & Guidelines The UK has issued judicial AI guidelines. National AI Policy under discussion and in the process of implementation.
Practical Implementation India’s e-Courts have experience in AI-supported summarization and translation. The Digital Legal Aid Project has begun, but full-fledged AI applications are still limited.
Data & Linguistic Readiness Developed countries have large judicial databases ready for AI adaptation. Record digitization is low, and Bengali-language AI readiness is limited.
Ethical/Legal Regulation Many countries maintain clear rules ensuring AI transparency and neutrality. Bangladesh lacks specific laws or comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
Capacity & Experience Several countries have gained practical experience with pilot AI applications. Bangladesh stands at a “preparatory threshold” — with opportunities ahead but limited implementation.

7. Prospects for Bangladesh:

Rapid technological progress and increasing investment in ICT make AI-assisted judicial processes highly feasible.

Courts and legal support institutions are advancing toward digital transformation (e.g., digital legal aid) — providing a strong foundation.

If policy and regulatory frameworks become more defined, Bangladesh can become globally competitive in building a “smart judiciary.”

The development of Bengali-language AI models and localized data frameworks will make the judicial process faster and more accessible to the general public.

8. Recommendations:

(1) Form a Comprehensive Legal and Regulatory Framework:
A specific law is needed to ensure algorithmic accountability, human oversight of AI decisions, and transparency and responsibility in data processing.

(2) Enhance Digital Records and Data Infrastructure:
Accelerate digitization of judicial verdicts, orders, and notices; develop Bengali-language AI datasets.

(3) Develop Context-Aware Bengali AI Models:
Instead of importing foreign models, AI systems must be built considering local language and cultural contexts.

(4) Maintain Human Oversight:
AI should act as an assistant in judicial processes — while preserving judicial independence, human reasoning, and discretion.

(5) Ensure Education and Training:
Provide training for judges, lawyers, court officials, and ICT personnel on the use, limitations, and risks of AI systems.

(6) Conduct Pilot Projects and Monitoring:
Launch limited pilot programs in one or two areas (e.g., translation, summarization, or case tracking), evaluate outcomes, and expand gradually.

9. Conclusion:

Bangladesh currently holds a highly promising position in applying AI technology within its judicial system, though it cannot yet be considered fully capable.

From global examples, it is clear that progress must not rely on technology alone — ethics, transparency, data infrastructure, and regulations must evolve together to ensure a just and accountable future judiciary.