A seminar titled ‘Law and Global Politics: Addressing Power Structure in Forming and Developing International Law’ was held at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on 2 November.

Organised by the university’s Faculty of Law, the seminar took place at Zahir Raihan Auditorium, with students from the Department of Law and Justice in attendance.

Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Dr Rabiul Islam chaired the event, while JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam attended as the chief guest. Professor Dr Borhan Uddin Khan, former dean of the Faculty of Law at Dhaka University and president-elect of the Asian Society of International Law, delivered the keynote address.

Associate Professors KM Sajjad Mahasin and Humayun Kabir of JU’s Department of Law and Justice were also present.

In his keynote address, Professor Borhan Uddin Khan discussed how global power structures influence the formation and development of international law. He said that although the sources of international law resemble those of customary law, power politics is particularly reflected in conventions, covenants and charters.

Citing historical examples, he discussed India’s inclusion as a founding member of the League of Nations during British colonial rule as an instance of power politics. He also examined the international political and humanitarian dimensions of the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, including military intervention, from institutional and theoretical perspectives.

Speaking as chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Nurul Islam said a university’s quality should be assessed through its academic standards and overall progress rather than processions, meetings or opposition.

He said the Faculty of Law had continued to make progress despite various challenges and limitations since its establishment, crediting the efforts of its teachers and students.

The vice-chancellor stressed the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship between teachers and students and ensuring a fair learning environment. He also encouraged students to engage with contemporary global issues, including climate change, geopolitics and carbon trading, alongside their theoretical studies.

In his closing remarks, Dean Professor Rabiul Islam said the Faculty of Law had been operating from the Social Sciences Building since its inception and was continuing to advance despite resource constraints.

The seminar offered students an opportunity to explore the role of legal professionals and legal battles in shaping global politics.