Bangladesh has a dual legal system, with the formal system based on the laws, rules, procedures, traditions and trappings of the former colonial power (save for family law, which is governed by the religious laws of the disputing parties), and a less formal system based on traditional justice mechanisms and role players (including village-based mechanisms and religious and cultural leaders) that have traditionally helped to resolve various civil and criminal disputes and conflicts while, more recently, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have provided and continue to provide mechanisms and services for resolving disputes. Both the formal and informal justice systems are perceived to include barriers to justice, particularly for the poor, women and other vulnerable groups.