Centre For Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) publishes research report on ‘Legal Representation in Death Penalty Cases in Bangladesh’

The Centre for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS), Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka, in association with the Death Penalty Project (DPP), launched a research report titled ‘Legal Representation in Death Penalty Cases in Bangladesh: An Empirical and Conceptual Analysis’ on 10 June 2026 at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka. Professor Dr. Shahnaz Huda, Director of CALS, delivered the welcome address, with the introduction to the research study from Connie Parker-Dhinakaran, Project Manager of the DPP. The event was graced by Md. Asaduzzaman (MP), Honourable Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam, Honourable Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, attended the programme as the Special Guest.

The report was co-authored by Professor Muhammad Dr. Mahbubur Rahman of the Department of Law, University of Dhaka, as the lead researcher along with Rafid Azad Saumik, LLM student of the same department. Presenting the key findings, Rafid Azad Saumik identified several impediments to effective legal representation in death penalty cases, including financial constraints of defendants, a shortage of qualified defence lawyers, poor lawyer-client communication, media trials and government interference, inadequate incentives for state-funded lawyers, and delayed appointment of legal counsel.

Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman described the death penalty system in Bangladesh as a ‘structural paradox’ and highlighted four major dimensions revealed by the study: unprincipled reliance on the death penalty for major crimes, the absence of structural sentencing guidelines, inconsistent and unpredictable death sentencing practices, and inadequate support for death row inmates. He also proposed recommendations to address these challenges.

The Chief Guest, the Special Guest, and Saul Lehrfreund, Co-Executive Director of the DPP, commended the research initiative and expressed hope for a reformed Bangladesh where the death penalty would no longer be regarded as the ultimate solution to every major crime. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks delivered by Professor Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean (Acting) of the Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka.

Bringing together a diverse group of participants, including students, academics, law enforcement officials and policymakers, the event facilitated a platform for exchange of knowledge. This initiative marks an important step in building social and legal awareness to combat the gross injustice deep rooted in our legal arena.

The event was covered by Hossain Mohammad Kutub Uddin, student of law at the University of Dhaka.