The Academy of Law and Policy (ALAP) has been registered as a trust under the Trusts Act 1882 recently. ALAP started its journey in June 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as a non-political, non-profit, and independent platform that brought together leading jurists, industry leaders and development partners to discuss current legal and policy issues and challenges facing Bangladesh. ALAP has already partnered with leading newspapers like The DailyStar and Dhaka Tribune and the leading NGO, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) to launch different initiatives. Its popular Legal Webinar Series has covered pressing issues like virtual courts, rights of patients, rights of workers, domestic violence, role of NGOs and emergency medical services for road accident victims.
The Author of the Trust, respected Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Barrister Akhtar Imam, has set lofty goals for ALAP ranging from dissemination of legal knowledge to research on and advocacy for much-needed law and policy reform to public interest litigation on pressing issues of national importance. ALAP and its activities till date have been widely appreciated.
When asked about ALAP, Mr. Justice Md. Imman Ali, Judge, Appellate Division stated, “ALAP provides an excellent platform to air the contemporary issues which can be discussed and solutions suggested by experts in the field.”
Mr. Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Judge, High Court Division commented, “ALAP’s vision and talent propelling it, bodes well for effective law and policy initiatives in Bangladesh.”
Madam Justice Naima Haider, Judge, High Court Division wished ALAP the very best for its journey and stated, “ALAP will have a positive and meaningful impact on the various social and legal issues plaguing our society.”
Barrister Rashna Imam (Managing Partner, Akhtar Imam & Associates) is the Executive Director of the Trust. Barrister Anita Ghazi Rahman (Managing Partner, The Legal Circle) is the Director of Dissemination and Communications. Barrister Nazia Kabir (Partner, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates) is the Director of Programmes and Barrister Reshad Imam (Partner, Akhtar Imam & Associates) is the Director of Finance.
