Dhaka //

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that earning money is not the sole objective of the legal profession; a lawyer must remain humane while discharging professional duties. When a client approaches a lawyer in distress, they place their trust and confidence in that lawyer. It is the lawyer’s responsibility to honor that trust.

He made these remarks on Saturday evening (September 19) while addressing the closing ceremony of ‘NSU Law Fest Season-3’ at North South University (NSU) in the capital as the chief guest.

The Law Minister noted that a lawyer is simultaneously accountable to the client and an officer of the court. Assisting the court in reaching the correct decision and playing a role in establishing justice are among a lawyer’s key responsibilities. Therefore, while protecting the client’s interests, a lawyer must also remain responsible towards the court.

Md. Anisul Huq emphasized that every client who approaches a lawyer is of utmost importance. Lawyers should stand by the helpless with a humane perspective when necessary, taking the client’s financial capacity into account. In one’s professional life, the opportunity to work for the welfare of people should be valued alongside financial gain.

Anisul Huq stated that there is no substitute for study and hard work in becoming a good lawyer. To succeed in the legal profession, one must cultivate a blend of integrity, competence, a sense of professional responsibility, and human values. There are no shortcuts to success in the legal profession; a lawyer must establish themselves through years of study, gaining experience, and hard work.

He described lawyers as the ‘social engineers’ of society, noting their vital role in societal change and development. If there are inconsistencies in any law or a need for change, lawyers should identify these issues and offer opinions regarding necessary reforms.

The Law Minister added that when a lawyer stands in court, every word they speak carries great significance. A lawyer must acquire the skills to present the law accurately, properly articulate case facts and data, and assist the court through sound argumentation. Highlighting the importance of training for lawyers, he stated that new lawyers must be groomed into skilled professionals through proper training and practical experience after entering the legal profession. The government is undertaking various initiatives to achieve this goal.

Addressing law students, the Law Minister said that if they observe any legal inconsistencies or identify a need for change in society, they can submit their ideas and proposals to the Law Ministry. These proposals could be reviewed, and initiatives for legal reform undertaken in the future as deemed necessary.

He remarked that young law students must play a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and protecting human rights in the future. They need to hone their knowledge and skills to keep pace with the ever-changing world.

The Law Minister further noted that while one inevitably encounters both positive and challenging experiences in professional life, the younger generation must choose the right and just path. By discharging their duties with integrity and humanity, they can establish themselves as successful lawyers.

Presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, and organized by the North South University Law and Mooting Society, the event was also addressed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Aziz Al Kaiser; Board members M. A. Kashem and Benajir Ahmed; the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam; and the Chair of the Department of Law, Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed.

Various competitions were held during the Law Fest, featuring participation from law students of North South University. Prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners of these competitions at the closing ceremony.