The five-day UMSAILS-UAP Spring School 2025 wrapped up yesterday at a resort in Kaliganj, Gazipur, with participants and speakers calling for stronger commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and transparency in society.
Organised by the University of Asia Pacific’s (UAP) Department of Law and Human Rights, in association with the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS) and the Centre for Law, Governance & Policy (CELGAP), the programme drew about 50 students from universities across Bangladesh, along with participants from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It was sponsored by University Press Limited (UPL).
Over the course of the event, students joined academic sessions, legal research workshops, and interactive discussions with prominent jurists and academics.
Speaking at the closing, eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain, chairperson of SAILS, reminded young lawyers that democracy cannot thrive without accountability. He urged them to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity in their professional lives.
Architect Mahbuba Haque, chairperson of UAP’s Board of Trustees, said the Spring School encouraged students to think beyond classrooms and embrace diversity while promoting justice and transparency.
Prof Dr Qumrul Ahsan, vice chancellor of UAP, noted that the initiative reflects the university’s mission to foster socially responsible graduates through ethics, leadership, and teamwork.
The programme began on August 17 with Supreme Court Senior Advocate Dr Sharif Bhuiyan as chief guest. The closing ceremony was attended by UAP trustees Dr M Alauddin and Engineer M Abu Taher; CELGAP Chairman Barrister Mohammad Mashiur Rahman Sabuj; UPL Managing Director Mahrukh Mohiuddin; and UAP Law Department Head Md Asaduzzaman. It was presided over by Prof Dr Chowdhury Israk Ahmed Siddiky, coordinator of the UMSAILS programme.
Organisers said the Spring School not only enriched students’ legal knowledge but also created space for cross-cultural exchange and leadership development, hoping the experience would inspire future lawyers to strengthen justice and good governance at home and abroad.
