Legal Aid and Advocacy for Bangladesh (LEAD-BD)

A non-profit organisation dedicated to providing legal aid, advice and representation to members of marginalised and vulnerable communities who are unable to afford legal assistance.

WHO WE ARE

Legal Aid and Advocacy for Bangladesh (LEAD-BD) is a non-profit organisation, which is dedicated to providing legal aid, advice and representation to members of marginalised and vulnerable communities who are unable to afford legal assistance.

In addition to providing legal representation to disadvantaged groups, Lead-BD seeks to bring about institutional reforms for establishing a just social and political order by conducting advocacy, liaising and collaborating with government agencies and non-government bodies, and undertaking public interest litigations with a view to protecting fundamental rights and upholding democratic values in society.

Lead-BD is working closely with academics, students and civil society organisations in furtherance of its goal of establishing social justice.

10+
Trustees
4
Active Projects
Nationwide
Impact
2023
Since
"Establishing a just social and political order through legal empowerment"

Our Dual Approach

LEAD-BD operates through two complementary strategies: providing direct legal assistance to those in need and advocating for systemic change to create lasting impact.

Direct Legal Assistance

Providing legal aid, advice and representation to:

  • Marginalised and vulnerable communities
  • Impoverished prisoners unable to afford legal assistance
  • Disadvantaged members of minority communities
  • Victims of personal injury and injustice

Systemic Change & Advocacy

Bringing about institutional reforms through:

  • Public interest litigations to protect fundamental rights
  • Advocacy and collaboration with government/non-government bodies
  • Legal and policy reform initiatives
  • Research and awareness campaigns on discriminatory laws

Working Together for Justice

Lead-BD works closely with:

  • Academics and researchers
  • Law students and legal professionals
  • Civil society organisations
  • Government agencies
  • International human rights bodies

Our Journey & Milestones

2023

LEAD-BD Established

Legal Aid and Development for Bangladesh founded as an irrevocable public trust. Initial corpus: Tk. 25,000. First Board of Trustees appointed with 10 members including Settlor Imran Abdullah Siddiq.

Q1 2024

Project Freedom Launched

Initiative to release unjustly detained women and children from Bangladesh jails. Focus on arbitrary detention, law enforcement accountability, and judicial discretion in bail matters.

Q1 2024

Project Compensation Launched

Addressing inadequacy of legal remedies for personal injury victims. Working on reforms to motor vehicle legislation and technology in liability assessment.

Q2 2024

Project Green Initiated

Environmental protection initiative responding to Bangladesh's vulnerability (ranked 177/180 in EPI). Focusing on strengthening Environmental Courts and reforming conservation laws.

Q2 2024

Project Reform Commenced

Constitutional and legal reform project to identify discriminatory provisions, reduce legal procedural barriers, and advocate for court system efficiency improvements.

Present 2024

Ongoing Expansion

Currently building partnerships with academics, students, civil society organizations, and government agencies. Expanding legal aid services nationwide and preparing first Public Interest Litigations.

Future

Vision 2025+

Establish regional legal aid centers across Bangladesh. Influence national policy reforms. Build international partnerships for human rights advocacy. Digital transformation of legal aid services.

Join Us in Our Mission

Whether through volunteering, partnership, or support, you can help us bring justice and legal empowerment to those who need it most.