On May 25,160 law students representing eight universities launched a Student Legal Aid Forum in an event held at the University of Dhaka. In accordance with Section 7(g) of the Legal Aid Services Act, as Amended, the Forum is the first student-led initiative designed to increase legal literacy and citizen access to quality free legal aid services in collaboration with the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO). Forum members committed to increase the visibility of government legal aid, raise awareness among marginalized groups, and facilitate links between law students and justice sector institutions. To date, the Forum has mobilized more than 100 members through its Facebook group and is followed by 388 individuals.
The formal launch served to build a bridge between students, university leadership, and NLASO and secure their commitment to collaborate. Syed Aminul Islam, Supreme Court of Bangladesh and former NLASO Director, congratulated students that have “taken the initiative to be part of positive change, serve the underprivileged, and promote access to justice for all citizens.” Malik Abdullah Al-Amin, current NLASO Director, encouraged “Forum members to continue to demand more, raise your voice, strengthen your network, and, most importantly, participate in any activities that have a positive change in the life of people.” Dr. Taslima Mansoor, Dhaka University Law Faculty Dean, praised the initiative and encouraged coordination with other universities. Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, Dhaka University Law Department Chairman, and Harold D. Dampier, Jr., USAID’s Justice for All Chief of Party, also addressed participants.
Student participants received pocket guides on the Legal Aid Services Act as well as pamphlets and brochures on the Forum’s objectives and internship opportunities. In coming weeks, the Forum will initiate activities designed to increase the visibility of government legal aid, raise public awareness, and build practical skills among law students. Planned activities include seminars on legal aid services and legal rights, visits to courts and District Legal Aid Offices, research and studies on legal aid and contemporary issues affecting legal outcomes for marginalized groups.
The Student Legal Aid Forum’s Facebook group is open to the public and accessible at:
https://www.facebook.com/Student.Legal.Aid.Forum.
Source:
http://www.justice-bd.org/index.php?Page=announcements&Type=news&id=237
