President Md Abdul Hamid has issued an ordinance allowing virtual court functions for hearing and disposing of cases.

The law ministry today issued a gazette notification on the ordinance, which came into effect yesterday, Law Minister Anisul Huq told The Daily Star.

Replying to a question, Minister Anisul said the courts will hear and dispose cases at any time in need digitally though audio and video conferences in line with the ordinance.

Regular activities of all courts across the country, including the Appellate and High Court Divisions, have been closed since March 26 due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The closure is scheduled to stay in place till May 16.

Several lawyers have requested the chief justice allow virtual court functions during the ongoing closure.

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain at a full court meeting with the judges of the Appellate and High Court Divisions recently decided to request the government to take necessary steps to issue an ordinance so that the cases can be heard and disposed of through virtual court proceedings.                                  

Subsequently, the cabinet on Thursday approved an ordinance allowing the courts to do so.