1. Introduction

The judiciary is the moral center of human civilization. Yet over time, the backlog of cases, delays in trials, and administrative complexities have burdened our courts. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a new possibility for enhancing efficiency, speed, and transparency in the justice system. The question is — how prepared is Bangladesh for this transformation?

---[Professor M. A. Barnik]

2. Global Context: AI in Justice Systems

Developed and emerging economies around theগ world have already begun integrating AI into their court systems.

China launched its “Smart Court System” in 2019, where AI judges, voice recognition, and automated judgment drafting technologies are used. As of 2024, 90% of Chinese courts are digitally integrated.

Estonia, as Europe’s first country, introduced the “Robot Judge” experimentally in 2020 to handle small-scale commercial disputes.

In the United Kingdom, courts use Predictive Analytics to forecast case outcomes, analyze evidence, and estimate legal expenses.

India launched the “Supreme Court AI Portal (SUPACE)” in 2023, which assists judges in preparing verdicts by suggesting relevant precedents and references.

These examples demonstrate that AI is now a partner to justice, not a replacement for judges — rather, their intelligent assistant.

3. Bangladesh’s Current Status

Bangladesh is still in the early stages of introducing AI into its judiciary, though some positive progress is evident:

(1) E-Judiciary Project:
Under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the E-Judiciary project has begun digitizing case files, notices, and verdicts.
Source: The Daily Star, May 23, 2024.

(2) ICT Tribunals and Virtual Hearings:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, witness depositions and hearings through video conferencing have become routine in Bangladesh’s courts, laying the technological foundation for AI integration.

(3) AI-Based Document Scanning and Searching:
According to the Ministry of Law, a pilot project using machine learning in court case databases began in early 2025.
Source: The Business Standard, February 12, 2025.

However, AI has not yet been directly involved in judicial decision-making — its use remains limited to administrative and research functions.

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4. Opportunities: Why AI Is Needed in Courts

(1) Reducing Case Backlogs:
Over 4 million cases are currently pending in Bangladesh’s courts.
Source: Law Commission, 2024.
Using AI-based case management and predictive models can accelerate prioritization and scheduling.

(2) Transparency and Impartiality:
AI can analyze data without bias, reducing the scope for favoritism or corruption.

(3) Support for Lawyers:
AI-driven Legal Research Assistants can help lawyers quickly find relevant cases, verdicts, and legal provisions.

(4) Digital Evidence Analysis:
In cybercrime or corporate litigation, AI’s forensic algorithms can play a highly effective role in evidence assessment.

5. Risks and Challenges

Despite its advantages, adopting AI in justice systems involves several significant risks:

(1) Algorithmic Bias:
If the training data contains bias, AI’s outcomes will also be biased — a dangerous possibility in judicial decisions.

(2) Privacy and Data Security:
Judicial data often includes personal and state-sensitive information. Weak cybersecurity could expose the nation to serious risks.

(3) Legal Accountability:
If an AI-generated recommendation or decision is wrong, who bears responsibility — the judge, the programmer, or the government? This remains an unresolved question.

(4) Ethical Concerns:
Justice is not merely data analysis; it requires humanity, empathy, and wisdom — qualities AI cannot fully embody.

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6. Future Directions

For Bangladesh to successfully integrate AI into its justice system, several prerequisites must be met:

Formulation of a National AI Policy for the Justice Sector.

Training for judges and lawyers to build competence in AI ethics and technology.

Implementation of Data Protection Laws and strong frameworks for court data security.

Launch of pilot court projects where AI assists in minor civil cases.

7. Conclusion

AI can make the judiciary faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly — but only if used responsibly.
Bangladesh’s courts now stand at the threshold of technological transformation. What is required are foresight, expertise, and ethical leadership.
Otherwise, AI may become not a tool of justice, but a shield for injustice.