The first National Law Conference has been held at Bangladesh University. The event, titled Law, Justice, and Human Rights in the Global South: Challenges and Prospects, was formally inaugurated on Saturday morning at the university auditorium.
Bangladesh University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam attended the opening session as the chief guest. Former University of Chittagong Faculty of Law Dean Professor Dr Abdullah Al Faruq was present as the special guest.
The keynote paper was presented by Southeast University Faculty of Law Dean Professor Dr Farhana Helal Mehtab. The session was presided over by Acting Head of the BU Law Department Md Mostafa.
During her keynote address, Professor Dr Farhana Helal Mehtab said a significant portion of the population remains reluctant to comply with the law, and raising public awareness is essential to changing this mindset.
Dr Farhana said various laws play a vital role in maintaining discipline across every sphere of human life. She noted that political influence, corruption, slow judicial processes, and a lack of state accountability continue to weaken the rule of law in many countries across the Global South.
However, international cooperation and the work of human rights organisations are creating pathways for positive change. She emphasised that sustainable development is only achievable when law is linked with justice and when human rights are protected in practice, not merely on paper.
In his remarks, Bangladesh University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam said establishing the rule of law is crucial for national progress. He expressed hope that the conference would play a meaningful role in the advancement of the country, the nation, and Bangladesh University.
The closing session in the afternoon was attended by Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh as the chief guest.
Senior Advocate Dr Khaled Hossain Chowdhury, Founder and Head of the Law Department of the London College of Legal Studies (Services), was present as the special guest.
In his closing speech, Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury said that with the advancement of civilisation, the necessity of law in every sphere of human life has become increasingly evident.
He said the protection of human rights and all other civil rights is possible only through the establishment of the rule of law.
Chowdhury added that combined efforts from academia, the judiciary, legal professionals, and young researchers will pave the way towards building a justice-oriented society. Strengthening the legal framework and ensuring easier access to justice will be among the major challenges ahead.
The day-long conference featured two technical sessions covering 11 topics, with participation from renowned lawyers, researchers, and academics. Organisers said the event would play a significant role in enhancing students’ research capacity, analytical skills, and academic confidence.
Deans from various faculties, department heads, senior officials, and students of the Bangladesh University Department of Law attended the programme.
