Launching of the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS)

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News Dhaka, Bangladesh - 13th October 2008
 

SAF Bangladesh Chairperson Dr Kamal Hossain (left)		  
(From left to right ) Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of BRAC University; Dr Deepika Udagama, head of School of Law of University of Colombo in Sri Lanka; former chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, who is also former chief adviser to the caretaker government; Dr Kamal Hossain SAF Bangladesh Chairperson; Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill ambassador, SAF Founder


South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS) was launched in Dhaka to promote the sharing of experiences on legal and human rights affairs.
Former chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, who is also former chief adviser to the caretaker government, inaugurated the SAILS at Spectra Convention Centre at Gulshan, Monday evening 13th October 2008.

With Dr Kamal Hossain, noted lawyer, president of Gana Forum and chairman of the SAILS, in the chair, the function was addressed by Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of BRAC University; ambassador Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill ambassador and founder chairman of South Asia Foundation; Dr Deepika Udagama, head of School of Law of University of Colombo in Sri Lanka; and Dr Sharif Bhuiyan, acting director of the SAILS.

In a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU) dated 26th December 2006 between the South Asia Foundation ("SAF") and the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies, The Institute established as an independent legal entity registered under Bangladesh law entered into an agreement with BRAC University (BU) for purposes of conferral of degrees as well as for cooperation on other related matters.

In conformity with the cardinal SAF objectives of promoting regional cooperation, the Institute establishes itself as a centre of excellence for research and education in South Asian law and human rights.

The Institute will be involved in post-graduate legal education and will offer, in conjunction with BU, post-graduate degrees within its area of expertise. To start with, an LL.M. in South Asian Law and an M.A. in Human Rights and Development may be offered.

The Institute will actively promote research on themes within its area of expertise, which will include legal mechanisms for regional and South Asian integration, comparative studies of South Asian law, unification and harmonization of the laws of the region, and human rights and development.

The Institute will endeavour to establish partnership with world-reputed academic institutions for specific inputs in the form of faculty and curriculum content.