Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a convocation and orientation ceremony to recognise the completion of their internship programme's second batch and welcome the third batch of young legal professionals.
The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court Auditorium today (14 October), according to the press release.
Launched in 2025 with support from Sweden, the AGO–UNDP Internship Programme aims to bridge the gap between academic legal education and professional practice. Through a structured six-month internship, selected law graduates gain practical experience in constitutional and public interest cases, legal research and professional mentorship at the Attorney General's Office.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman attended as the chief guest and emphasised the importance of combining academic knowledge with practical experience and professional ethics.
"Lawyers are social engineers who play a vital role in shaping a better future for the country. Equipping the next generation of legal professionals with knowledge, integrity and strong legal ethics is essential to upholding people's rights, strengthening respect for the legal profession and building a more just society," he said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of transparent, merit-based selection and equal opportunities for graduates from public and private universities. He said the programme aims to provide practical training to at least 100 young legal professionals annually, reaching 500 over five years.
Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal, attorney general for Bangladesh, chaired the ceremony.
"Investing in young legal professionals means investing in the future of justice in Bangladesh. Through practical training and mentorship, this internship programme is preparing a new generation of lawyers with the knowledge, integrity and commitment needed to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens," he said.
Stephen Rodriques, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said, "It is not enough to know the law. You must also understand what the law is meant to protect and who it is meant to serve. The true measure of your contribution to Bangladesh's future will not simply be from how well you know the law, but how you use that knowledge to serve people and uphold their rights."
Nicolas Weeks, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, said, "The internship programme offers promising young legal minds a meaningful opportunity to contribute to reform and engage in dialogue. It encourages the next generation of legal professionals to lead with integrity, courage and a deep commitment to justice."
Outgoing interns received certificates recognising their successful completion of the programme, while Mohammad Arshadur Rouf, additional attorney general, administered the oath to the incoming third batch.
Barrister Zahrat Adib Chowdhury MP attended as a special guest. Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, deputy attorney general and internship programme director, moderated the proceedings, while Romana Schweiger, senior adviser at UNDP Bangladesh, moderated the opening session.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Attorney General's Office, UNDP and Sweden to strengthening legal institutions, promoting professional ethics and creating opportunities for young legal professionals to contribute to a more accountable and effective justice system in Bangladesh.