Free Legal Aid Services Transforms Ranjeeda Begum’s Life

Ranjeeda Begum, a 44-year-old woman, married Lokayet Khan, now 55, 24 years ago under Islamic Sharia law. They have three daughters, two of whom are married, and the youngest, just 10 years old. For many years, Ranjeeda lived peacefully with her family, but everything changed 18 months ago when Lokayet remarried without informing her and stopped supporting their family. This left Ranjeeda to manage everything on her own, and she began suffering both emotionally and financially.

In the midst of this turmoil, Ranjeeda discovered free legal aid services when a neighbor told her about the services offered by FAIR Community Legal Service Center (CLSC), Khulna.

Introducing the Intervention

It is worth noting that Friends Association for Integrated Revolution (FAIR), in collaboration with BNWLA and Community Legal Services, is implementing the Making Women Legal Rights a Reality in Bangladesh project in Khulna City Corporation. Under this project, FAIR has established 4 Community Legal Service Centers (CLSCs) in Khulna, offering legal assistance to marginalized women at no cost.

Encouraged by the possibility of receiving help, Ranjeeda visited the FAIR CLSC and filed a complaint on April 15, 2015, which was registered as KCCWA-0237. FAIR CLSC immediately took action, initiating a fact-finding process and engaging in mediation to resolve the dispute.

Mediation and the Resolution Process

Although the first mediation session ended without a resolution, FAIR CLSC organized a follow-up session to continue the process and work towards a solution. This time, both parties, including Lokayet Khan, participated and the issues were discussed in detail. After a thorough examination of the situation, an agreement was reached, and the dispute was settled amicably. As part of the settlement, provisions were made for monthly maintenance and the equitable distribution of time between Lokayet’s two wives, ensuring Ranjeeda and her children would receive proper care and support.

Effect of Free Legal Aid Services

Free legal aid services played a critical role in resolving Ranjeeda’s case. Here’s how it made a difference:

• Empowerment Through Legal Aid: Free legal aid services provided Ranjeeda with the necessary tools to assert her rights. It empowered her with the confidence to pursue justice for her family.
• Facilitating Dialogue and Resolution: The mediation process helped bring both parties to the table and allowed them to discuss their issues openly. FAIR CLSC’s mediation efforts were essential in reaching a peaceful and fair resolution.
• Ensuring Fairness and Equity: The mediation ensured that Ranjeeda would receive monthly support and that the time would be fairly divided between both wives. This provided Ranjeeda and her children the security and care they needed.
• Restoring Peace and Stability: By resolving the conflict, free legal aid services allowed Ranjeeda to regain peace and stability in her life, knowing that her rights were protected.

Motivational Change

Ranjeeda’s story highlights the profound impact that free legal aid services can have. It empowered her to take control of her life and restore balance to her family. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, including donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders associated with FAIR CLSC.

Conclusion: Legal Aid’s Transformative Power

Free legal aid services were essential in changing Ranjeeda Begum’s life. Through the support of FAIR CLSC, she regained her rights and found peace. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of free legal aid services in bringing justice to those who need it the most.

By supporting organizations like FAIR CLSC, we can ensure that legal aid remains accessible to everyone, empowering individuals and building a just society.

Call to Action

We encourage those who are able to help to support FAIR CLSC in providing legal aid services to marginalized individuals. Your contribution can help ensure that vulnerable people receive the legal support they deserve. Join us in making a difference and empowering those in need by aiding FAIR CLSC in their mission to deliver justice and support to the underprivileged.

N.B.: This success story is of a beneficiary of the project, but the image used is created by AI and not of the actual beneficiary.