DHAKA, Jan 13, 2020 (BSS) – A dialogue on discussing the use of digital evidence in court began in the capital today aiming at laying the groundwork for introducing digital evidence in Bangladesh courtrooms in future.
The US Embassy here through the US Department of Justice in collaboration with the UK High Commission in Dhaka organised the four-day event titled “Dialogue on the Use of Digital Evidence in Court”.
Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain inaugurated the dialogue as the chief guest.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller and British High Commissioner here Robert Chatterton Dickson also spoke at the inaugural session.
The dialogue is being conducted by two US Federal Judges and three Federal Prosecutors, a UK Criminal Justice Advisor and a Dhaka University law professor, a US embassy press release said.
Ambassador Miller noted there is widespread support in the Bangladeshi justice sector for using digital evidence as it would significantly increase the credible evidence available to prosecutors and judges, help solve crimes more quickly, and reduce the backlog of cases.
High Commissioner Dickson expressed his support for the enhanced use of digital evidence in the Bangladesh justice system, noting that if used properly it can play a major role in increasing the efficiency and integrity of the administration of justice.
The dialogue will discuss various topics that include current status of the admissibility of digital evidence in Bangladeshi courts, establishing rules for the collection and introduction of digital evidence in courts, appellate concerns regarding digital evidence and identifying and presenting the testimony of expert digital forensic experts.
Participants have been invited from tribunals where digital evidence is currently permitted under certain circumstances, including Anti-Terrorism Tribunals, the Cyber Crimes Tribunal, Speedy Trial Tribunals, and the planned human trafficking tribunals.
Representatives of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs were also invited to better understand the challenges judges and prosecutors face under the Evidence Act of 1872 as it relates to the use of digital evidence in courts.
It is expected that workshop will provide Bangladeshi judges and prosecutors with fundamental information on authenticating digital evidence for use in courts, and address concerns and identify common ground among stakeholders to lay the groundwork for introducing digital evidence in Bangladesh courtrooms in the future, said the release.