Mandatory pre-case mediation: what the Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act 2026 means

What the law does

The Legal Aid Services Act 2000 was amended by ordinance in 2025 to make mediation compulsory before certain cases are filed. Parliament converted the ordinance into the Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act 2026. Mediation is conducted through the District Legal Aid Office by the chief legal aid officer, a legal aid officer or a specially appointed mediator.

The aim is to settle family and neighbourhood disputes faster and at lower cost, and to reduce the number of new cases in the courts. Mediation is voluntary in outcome: no one is forced to accept a settlement.

Which disputes are covered

As reported by the Law Ministry, the requirement applies to disputes under seven laws:

• Family Courts matters, such as dower, maintenance, restitution of conjugal rights and guardianship
• House rent disputes under the House Rent Control Act 1991
• Partition suits
• Pre-emption under section 96 of the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act
• Pre-emption under section 24 of the Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act
• Claims under the Parents Maintenance Act
• Certain matters under the Dowry Prohibition Act

Where it applies

The scheme was launched in 12 districts on 17 September 2025 and later extended to 20. On 21 July 2026 the Law Ministry reported that it had been extended to 10 more districts (Bogura, Thakurgaon, Patuakhali, Bhola, Natore, Jashore, Shariatpur, Cox’s Bazar, Panchagarh and Tangail), bringing the total to 30, with plans to extend it to the remaining districts. Because the rollout is ongoing, check the current list with the District Legal Aid Office or with us before filing.

How it works and how long it takes

The person who wants to bring the case applies to the District Legal Aid Office. The office gives notice to the other side and holds mediation sessions. Mediation is to be completed within 21 working days, according to published reports on the rules. If the parties settle, the terms are recorded in writing. If mediation fails, or the other side does not take part, the office issues a failure certificate, which allows the dispute to be taken to the relevant court and should be kept with the case papers.

What it means for you

The Law Ministry reported that new filings in the covered categories fell by about 62 per cent between February and May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. For clients, the practical points are:

• Do not file a covered case directly in a rollout district without first applying for mediation; the court may refuse to proceed
• Prepare for mediation as you would for court: bring documents, calculations and a clear idea of an acceptable settlement
• A settlement can be faster and cheaper, but read the written terms carefully before signing
• Keep the failure certificate if mediation does not succeed
• Criminal matters and urgent protection, such as domestic violence orders, have their own routes

Sources

• The Business Standard: Mandatory mediation cuts new case filings by 62% (21 July 2026)
• Jago News: Govt launches mandatory pre-case mediation in 10 more districts
• Prothom Alo: Applications under mandatory pre-case mediation (Bangla)
• The Daily Star: Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Ordinance 2025

Related services and guides

• Family Mediation
• Mediation & Negotiation
• Dower (Denmohor) & Maintenance
• Partition & Boundary Disputes
• Lease, Rent & Tenancy