The LEB-BSIL-UAP International Law Conference (ILC) 2025, held on Saturday at the auditorium of University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in Dhaka, was jointly organized by Legal Empowerment Bangladesh (LEB), the Bangladesh Society of International Law (BSIL), and the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). It sought to foster critical conversations on the role and implementation of international laws in Bangladesh.
Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of July Uprising, this year’s theme, "Revisiting July Through the Lens of International Law," reflected a deep commitment to reassessing past struggles and present responsibilities within an international legal framework. The event provided a vital platform for students, academics, and practitioners from Bangladesh and beyond to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international laws.
The opening ceremony was graced by a panel of eminent dignitaries. Professor Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific, was the Chief Guest while, Professor Dr. M. A. Baqui Khalily, Acting Dean of the School of Law at UAP, was the special guest.
The event was further honoured by the presence of Dr. Masrur Salekin, Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Dhaka. The programme was chaired by Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman, Head of the Department of Law & Human Rights at UAP.
At the closing ceremony, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, was the chief guest. Among others, Barrister Sara Hossain, a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at UAP, Dr. Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, Registrar General of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, were present.
Rabby Tawhid, Co-Convenor of ILC 2025 and Executive Director of Legal Empowerment Bangladesh (LEB), gave his welcome address. The programme was chaired by Fahim Abrar Abid, Convenor of ILC 2025 and Founder of the Bangladesh Society of International Law (BSIL).
This year’s conference received an overwhelming 75 proposals from across Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia, with 21 scholarly papers accepted for presentation. A total of 31 presenters, including students, researchers, and legal professionals, shared their work before an audience of 165 observers. Over 50 student volunteers dedicated themselves to organizing the event, reflecting the strong commitment of the younger generation to international legal dialogue.
The conference was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Additional partners included Student Admission London as the Education Partner, the Photography Club of Rouf College as the Photography Partner, and the Ibn Sina Trust as the Goodwill Partner. Nescafé served as the Refreshment Partner, while Square Mile Solicitors joined as the Travel Partner.
A wide range of media organizations joined as partners to amplify the event’s reach. NTV and Maasranga Television were the official TV Media Partners. Amar Desh and Bangladesh Protidin represented the Bangla print media, while The Daily Observer and The New Age served as English Print Media Partners.
