Dhaka University’s Faculty of Law on Wednesday hosted a special lecture titled “Constitutional Law and Democratic Backsliding” at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium.
Professor Tom Ginsburg, a constitutional law expert from the University of Chicago Law School, delivered the keynote address.
The program was inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, while Professor Dr Ekramul Haque, dean of the Faculty of Law, presided. Faculty members and students from law faculties and departments of various public and private universities across Bangladesh attended.
Speaking at the event, the DU VC called the initiative a noble celebration of knowledge cultivation. He described Professor Ginsburg as a globally renowned scholar who has successfully bridged theory and practice. “Constitutional law is not merely a subject of conceptual discussion; its real-life application and effectiveness are central to Professor Ginsburg’s research.”
Niaz said Bangladesh is passing through a critical period, with constitutional and related reforms following the July uprising gradually taking institutional shape. He cited the upcoming February 12 election and the proposed referendum as key examples of this reform process and expressed hope that Ginsburg’s lecture would provide valuable guidance.
The VC added that legal education and practice are now closely connected to everyday life. “While maintaining its traditional dignity and solemnity, law plays an important role in society’s daily reality. This makes the social responsibility of legal education extremely important,” he said.
He expressed hope that the engagement with Professor Ginsburg would develop into a long-term collaboration and that the message of Wednesday’s lecture would reach beyond Bangladesh.