Civitas Legum

02/05/2025

📢 Call for Abstracts – 1st International Conference on the July Revolution (ICJR-I 2025)

📍Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka

🎯 Theme: “The Legacy of the July Revolution 2024: Rebuilding Bangladesh”

🔺 Important Dates:
📌 Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025
📌 Conference Date: 27 July 2025

🔗 Submit your abstract & learn more: www.julyconference.com

11/10/2024

Know the Crew - 08

Name- Muzahidul Islam

Position- Chief Research Officer, Civitas Legum

Now he is a lecturer of Law at AIUB (American-International University, Bangladesh). He graduated from the Department of Law, University of Dhaka.

We are really happy to have you on board. Welcome to the team, Mr. Muzahid.

11/10/2024

Civitas Legum on international media - 2

On the Massacre of July Revolution, around thousand of students, childeren, workers, general people were killed by LEAs and left around 30,000 people injured. Civitas Legum tried to document these info of the victims to ensure the process of justice. Our crews worked restless during those days, interview the families and survivors to gather more information.
Heres a gentle recognition of your efforts. We are proud of you. Thanks to ThePrint.

Families navigate a long road to justice for their children killed in student protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

11/10/2024

The work on the July-Revolution of the Civitas Legum (a Dhaka University based Forum for Probono Activism) on international media:

"A research [probono activism] wing of Dhaka University’s law department, Civitas Legum, has been collecting information on students killed in the July Bangladesh violence so as to help their parents with legal aid and filing police complaints."

"Civitas also contacted each of the victims’ families individually to collect necessary information to file a lawsuit (individual lawsuits against suspects). They have so far provided legal aid to over 43 deceased’s families and have lawyers in both the country’s Supreme Court and district courts working with them."

“Our legal researchers are working hard every day to assist the filing of cases and in some cases when required documentations and drafting is being done,” they added.

Thanks to ThePrint for covering our team work. And thank you Human Rights Support Society-HRSS for providing us the necessary logistic support and advice. Best wishes for our team also.

According to government officials, 708 people were killed in the July violence that gripped the neighbouring country. Civitas Legum says it's recorded 1,581 incidents of casualties.

08/10/2024

What an Evening ✨

Our crews join us on a wonderful evening of awarding certificates. As a part of our recent peoject, 'An initiative to collect data and information of the victims of July Revolution and providing Legal Aid', crews worked restless in several areas including interview, investigation, data collection and input, verification, FIR draft, collecting evidence and so much more. We tried to show our gratitude and recognition of their priceless efforts over the months.

Its a beginning of a never ending journey. Our good wishes will be there with you, Always! 🤞

27/09/2024

Know the Crew 07

Moriom Akter Moni
LLB Graduate(unofficially)
University of Dhaka

-Future plans:As a law student I'm not academically sound enough. But I want to emphasize on my passion over perfection.My future goal is to advocate for those people who lack access to justice. I am passionate about providing legal support to underserved communities, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to be heard and represented. Through pro bono work and collaboration with non-profit organizations, I aim to address systemic inequalities. My commitment to social justice drives my desire to create meaningful change in the lives of those who are often overlooked by the legal system.

-Experience with current campaign:With Civitus Legum, I had the opportunity to connect deeply with martyr families, gathering essential data. This involved conducting interviews to understand their experiences and challenges, as well as visiting some of them personally to provide practical assistance relating to draft case.It also leads to feelings of gratitude for their sacrifices and a desire to support them.

Through these interactions, I learned the importance of compassion and advocacy in law, and I am dedicated to continuing this work to support marginalized communities.

20/09/2024

Know the Crew 06

- Full Name: Md. Zobayer Akon
- Alma Mater : University of Dhaka
- Current Academic Status: LL.B. and LL.M.

- Future Plans : Persuing career as academic as well as pro-bono activist.

I found myself alinged with the views shared by Civitas Legum. As a law student, and/or citizen, we all owe a duty to the common people, who suffer under lawlessness or being subjugated to non-law. 'We the people' are pledged bound to uphold the fundamental human rights. Pro-bono activism always serves as bulwark against rights-infringements. I find myself lucky to have the opportunity to alleviate, albeit insufficiently, the unbounded bereavement of people losing their kith and kin and close one in July Revolution by providing legal counsel. Admittedly, no counsel, no condolences can reduce the sufferings of a man losing his family members, Civitas Leagum only showed the avenue to bring the perpetrators to the book. Thus, we, the probono activists, try to strengthen the hands of Justice and uplift the rights of man.

18/09/2024

Know the Crew 05

Meherin Sultana Mim
LLB Graduate (unofficially)
University of Dhaka

Future Plan: As a law student with a strong passion for Human Rights advocacy and empowering the underprivileged community, I am eager to put into practice my academic learning and experienced skills for safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice. With the guidance of extensive legal expertise, I am thrilled to uphold my commitment through my professional journey.

Experience: Since I stated earlier that serving the needy and underprivileged with legal aid was one of my cherished aspirations. Civitas Legum provided me the opportunity to realize this through its probono activism and campaign- "Data accumulation of the victims to ensure justice." Assisting in drafting legal documents for the victim of Quota Reform Movement 2024 under this campaign was a worthwhile, impactful experience and honor for me. Engaging in such a greater cause has strengthen my spirit and devotion for my community.

In addition, I have around 1.8 years of experience as a development volunteer in the Human Resource team with Give Bangladesh Foundation. Since August 2023, I've been serving as an Associate Editor for the Dhaka Law Review.
My involvement with Human Rights Support Society extends with its campaign "Building Youth Capacity to Promote and Protect Human Rights" as a human rights defender.

17/09/2024

Know the Crew 04

Name- Sanjida Akter Jim
Alma mater - -Jahangirnagar University
Dept- BURP; 3rd year

In my future, I envision flourishing in the NGO sector by dedicating my efforts to uplifting the labor class. I plan to focus on addressing critical issues such as basic needs, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare and education. By researching and understanding their unique challenges, I aim to work closely with marginalized laborers, including migrant workers, those in informal sectors and also those who can be a potential labour. My goal is to partner with existing organizations, advocate for policy changes, and implement sustainable programs that enhance their quality of life, ensuring their voices are heard and rights are protected. Overall as a planning student, I dream of a country with equity, sustainability , better quality of life ensuring civil and political rights without any harassment and questioning.

My recent experience with the organization has been incredibly transformative. I had the opportunity to sit with victims, listen to their stories, and truly understand the depth of their struggles. Their accounts of hardship, injustice, and resilience deeply touched me, revealing the harsh realities many face daily. Hearing their pain firsthand stirred a profound sense of empathy within me, making me more aware of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. This experience not only shook me emotionally but also matured my perspective on social justice. It reaffirmed my belief that my efforts in the NGO sector must focus on advocating for those who are often unheard, and it strengthened my resolve to work towards meaningful, long-lasting change for them.

16/09/2024

Know the Crew 03

Name:Tamanna Jannat Bristi
Alma mater :Eden Mohila College, Dhaka
Current Academic Status:Hons 1 st year, Department of Political Science

Future plan:My future plans include ensuring the rights of all people in society, building a positive community, and establishing good governance of the law. I aim to raise awareness against human rights violations and primarily focus on improving the country and working for the welfare of its people.

Experience with current compaign:My recent experience with this organization has been extremely wonderful. I have been able to deeply understand the suffering of people up close. Their heartache and pain have moved me. I am delighted to be able to work for them and have gained inspiration to work for the underprivileged in society. I hope to use this experience to bring about a positive change in my future life.

15/09/2024

Know the Crew 02

• Suraia Iasmine Mitu
• Dhaka University
• LL.B. 4th year

• In the near future, I plan to specialize in integrating legal advocacy with social work by developing programs that support marginalized communities. This will involve working on policies to improve access to legal resources for underserved populations, and providing holistic support through legal aid combined with social services. The goal is to create a more equitable system that addresses both legal and social needs in tandem.

• Working with the martyrs of the quota movement in 2024 is both humbling and inspiring. Engaging with their legacy involves a deep reflection on the courage and commitment they demonstrated in their fight for social justice. It’s a reminder of the personal costs of activism and the enduring impact of their sacrifices. This experience often highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in advocacy, as well as the need to continue pushing for meaningful reforms in honor of those who paved the way. It reinforces a sense of responsibility to uphold their vision and strive for the progress they championed.