Rajshahi:A two-day international conference titled "Sovereignty, Humanity and Law in the Contemporary World" began at Rajshahi University (RU) today, gathering academics, researchers, judges, and legal professionals from both home and abroad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference is organized by the Department of Law at the university and marks the second international event of its kind hosted by the department. Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury inaugurated the conference at the university's Senate Building, serving as the chief guest, while RU Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam presided over the inaugural ceremony. Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Abdul Alim and Professor Mamunur Rashid were in attendance as distinguished guests.
Conference Convener Professor Begum Asma Siddika delivered the welcome address, and the Chairperson of the Department of Law, Professor Sayeda Anju, gave the vote of thanks. In his address during the inaugural session, Chief Justice Chowdhury highlighted the conference theme's relevance in the global context, noting its importance beyond Bangladesh. He emphasized the conference's role as a platform for professionals and scholars to exchange research and discuss state sovereignty's evolving nature, human dignity protection, and law's role in establishing a just world.
Chief Justice Chowdhury remarked on the challenges faced by traditional sovereignty concepts, emphasizing that contemporary issues transcend state boundaries. He stressed that sovereignty involves not just a state's independent action but also its responsibility for international cooperation.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Faridul Islam spoke on the interconnectedness of sovereignty, humanity, and law in today's world, citing globalization, technological advancements, climate change, and other factors as new challenges necessitating dialogue.
Following the inaugural ceremony, a plenary session chaired by Professor Begum Asma Siddika featured keynote papers by Professor Emeritus Dr. Rafiqul Islam of Macquarie Law School, Australia, and Professor Datin Mary George of the University of Malaya, Malaysia. The papers were discussed by Professor Nakib Nasrullah of the University of Dhaka's Department of Law and Professor Abu Nasser Wahid of RU's Department of Law. A total of 124 research papers are scheduled for presentation in four academic sessions during the conference. The inaugural program was attended by university teachers, researchers, judges, legal practitioners, students, and other stakeholders.