Bangladesh: Over 500 kids get bail from virtual courts

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Virtual courts set up in Bangladesh during the coronavirus pandemic have granted bail to 561 minors arrested for various crimes, the country’s Supreme Court said on Saturday.

All these children were released from jails across the country over the past 30 days, according to a statement.

A total of 546 children have already been handed over to their parents, it added.

The statement said 44,802 people have secured bail from 300 courts in Bangladesh over the past 30 working days, with 84,657 bail petitions disposed of in that period.

The Supreme Court’s Special Committee for Child Rights, UNICEF, and Bangladesh’s Social Welfare Ministry worked together for the release of the minors and to reunite them with their parents or guardians, the statement further said.

Quoting officials of the country’s Social Services Department, local newspaper Prothom Alo reported that hearings on bail applications of minors started on May 12.

Regular activities of the Supreme Court have been suspended since March 26 due to coronavirus outbreak.