Supreme Court launches translation software ‘Amar Vasha’

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh launched a translation software named 'Amar Vasha' on 18 February. 

The software will use artificial intelligence to translate orders and judgments of the Supreme Court from English to Bangla.

The software was developed in collaboration with 'EkStep' Foundation of India who also created software in India titled 'Anuvaad,' read a press release issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

Anuvaad was launched by the Indian Supreme Court as 'Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software' or Suvas on 26 November 2019.

Addressing the virtual event, High Commissioner Doraiswami said that India is deeply honoured to be a partner in the development of such a unique translation software which was designed in India and shared on a gratis basis.

He recalled that in November 2020, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina specially exhorted Bangladeshi authorities and judicial officers to help facilitate access to judgments in Bangla. In this regard, the High Commissioner underlined the significance of the rollout of this software three days before the International Mother Language Day on 21 February.

He added that such a collaboration could only be possible between Bangladesh and India as Bangla is one of the recognized languages of India and the judicial systems of both of the countries share common origins, similar systems, and lexicon. 

The High Commissioner further appreciated the Bangladeshi Supreme Court for integrating technology for smooth dispensation of justice in Bangladesh by introducing e-courts during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

At the launching ceremony, Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Anisul Huq, minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh, Md Golam Sarwar, secretary, Law and Justice Division, and Vikram K Doraiswami, high commissioner of India to Bangladesh were present among others.

A video prepared on the 'Amar Vasha' app was also aired at the occasion.