North South University Law and Mooting Society (NSULMS) concluded Law Fest Season III on Saturday, 19 September, bringing together law students from more than 20 universities across Bangladesh.

The three-day festival at North South University (NSU) featured academic, practical, competitive, career-oriented, sports and cultural activities aimed at combining legal education with practical skills and career development, according to the press release.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman attended the closing ceremony alongside Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University; Benajir Ahmed, member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees; MA Kashem, member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of NSU.

Also present were Professor Md Rizwanul Islam, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of law; Professor Ishtiaque Ahmed, professor of law and chair of the Department of Law; and Nasmin Jabin Noor, senior lecturer at the Department of Law and faculty adviser of NSULMS, along with faculty members, students, participants, alumni and volunteers.

The programme began with the national anthem, followed by welcome remarks from Professor Ishtiaque Ahmed, professor of law and chair of the Department of Law at North South University.

“Students from more than 20 universities have participated in this festival. Alongside legal knowledge, it is essential for future lawyers to develop practical skills. The ability to address the court, draft legal documents, present arguments and communicate effectively is extremely important in the legal profession,” he said.

“This year, Law Fest has brought together academic and practical learning with the introduction of a Career Fair. We hope that the Department of Law at North South University will continue to progress towards becoming one of the leading law schools in South Asia,” he added.

Ishtiaque also acknowledged the contributions of Nasmin Jabin Noor and the volunteers in making the festival successful.

Delivering the keynote address, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said lawyers have an important role in shaping society and that the profession requires honesty, responsibility and dedication.

“The arguments presented by lawyers in court are subject to questions from opposing counsel and the judge. Therefore, lawyers must always remain careful and responsible in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

The minister said there was no shortcut to becoming a good lawyer and that professional development required hard work, education, continuous study and training.

“Young lawyers need greater opportunities to gain practical experience. Internship initiatives involving the Office of the Attorney General can also provide valuable practical exposure to those entering the profession,” he said.

Emphasising lawyers’ responsibilities to both clients and courts, Asaduzzaman said, “Lawyers have responsibilities not only towards their clients but also towards the court. They must maintain honesty, integrity, professional responsibility and ethical conduct.”

“The legal profession should not be viewed merely as a means of earning money. It is also connected with our responsibility towards people and the pursuit of justice,” he added.

Addressing students preparing to enter the legal profession, the minister said they would encounter different people and circumstances throughout their professional lives and would need to make responsible decisions while remaining honest and principled.

“If changes to existing laws are necessary, relevant issues may be brought to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration,” he said.

Asaduzzaman further said the legal profession carries a broader responsibility towards justice, protection of rights, service to people and development of society.

“Students must work hard, continue learning, maintain honesty and integrity, and understand the responsibilities that come with the legal profession,” he added.

Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University, congratulated the students, faculty members and organisers for successfully arranging Law Fest Season III.

“I congratulate the students, faculty members and organisers for successfully bringing Law Fest Season III to completion. Initiatives such as this provide students with valuable opportunities to prepare themselves for their future careers in the legal profession,” he said.

Following the minister’s address, Aziz Al Kaiser presented a token of appreciation to Md Asaduzzaman.

Benajir Ahmed and MA Kashem, members and former chairmen of the Board of Trustees, were also present.

Benajir Ahmed, member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University and founder life member of the NSU Trust, said the ultimate purpose of the legal profession is to ensure justice.

“Students must develop as legal thinkers who are capable of applying legal principles responsibly. I appreciate NSULMS for creating opportunities for students to develop practical skills and prepare themselves for their future careers,” he said.

MA Kashem, member of the Board of Trustees of North South University and founder life member of the NSU Trust, said the legal profession is fundamentally connected with people and justice.

“Students must work hard, dream big, remain honest and maintain integrity and character. Professional success should always be accompanied by strong ethical values,” he said.

Professor Md Rizwanul Islam, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of law at North South University, said members of NSULMS had worked for nearly four months to organise the festival.

“Through sports competitions, legal drama, Legal Cypher, academic programmes, research presentations and the Career Fair, Law Fest has brought together academic and practical learning,” he said.

Referring to the society’s motto, “Setting Precedent”, Rizwanul said the participation of a High Court judge in Legal Cypher demonstrated the importance of practical knowledge alongside academic learning.

“The Career Fair also gave students the opportunity to submit their CVs to law chambers, interact with legal practitioners and gain a better understanding of the legal profession,” he said.

He also highlighted the participation of students from universities across the country and appreciated the support of the Board of Trustees and university authorities in creating opportunities for students through initiatives such as Law Fest.

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of North South University, congratulated NSULMS, participants, volunteers and organisers for successfully concluding Law Fest Season III.

“Bringing together students from more than 20 universities through an initiative like Law Fest creates valuable opportunities for interaction, experience sharing and learning. I congratulate NSULMS, the participants, volunteers and organisers for successfully completing the festival,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said co-curricular activities such as moot court, legal drama, debates and other practical programmes play an important role in developing students’ critical thinking, communication skills and creativity.

“These activities also help students gain a broader understanding of the legal profession. I encourage students to continue learning, asking questions and engaging with society,” he said.

Abdul Hannan further said professional success could not be achieved through knowledge and skills alone.

“Morality, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility should remain at the heart of the legal profession,” he added.

The closing ceremony featured an award and prize-giving segment, where awards were presented to winners of the National Legal Drama Competition, National Legal Quiz Competition and Legal Cypher Competition.

Law Fest Season III featured a wide range of programmes focusing on academic research, legal advocacy, practical skills, competitions, sports, creativity, career development and cultural activities.

Students from universities across Bangladesh participated in different segments, creating opportunities for inter-university interaction and learning beyond the conventional classroom environment.

The festival was organised through the sustained efforts of Nasmin Jabin Noor, senior lecturer at the Department of Law of North South University and faculty adviser of NSULMS, the NSULMS Executive Panel and volunteers.

Their work over several months contributed to coordinating the festival’s academic, competitive and co-curricular programmes.

NSULMS expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees of North South University, university authorities, faculty members, participating universities, adjudicators, legal professionals, students, alumni, volunteers and all participants for their support and contribution to the successful completion of Law Fest Season III.

Presented by the North South University Law and Mooting Society and powered by Sony, Law Fest Season III concluded with a celebration of legal knowledge, practical learning, creativity, competition and the collective spirit of the legal community.