The Honourable Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Md Asaduzzaman underscored the personal and professional transformation of the interns, noting, “What began as a pioneering pilot initiative to bridge the gap between law in books and law in action is now evolving into a permanent pillar of our justice sector.”

He reiterated the importance of practical learning alongside academic study in building a strong and ethical legal profession.

Reflecting on the programme’s origins and growth, the Attorney General of Bangladesh, Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said, “With the support of UNDP and our development partners, we look forward to expanding this programme further in scope and impact, creating more opportunities for young legal minds to contribute meaningfully to our justice system.”

He noted that interns of the first batch contributed meaningfully to high‑profile constitutional cases and justice reform discussions, while gaining rare exposure to the workings of the Supreme Court and the Office of the Attorney General. He emphasized that integrity, constitutional values, and professional ethics must remain at the core of legal practice.

Addressing the convocation and orientation ceremony of outgoing and incoming interns, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “At its core, this initiative reflects our shared belief: that youth participation in justice reform matters; that legal excellence must be nurtured early; and that the future strength of the justice system will depend, in no small part, on principled, capable and independent young professionals.”

He highlighted that interns from the first cohort benefited from exposure to constitutional law, gender‑based violence, humanitarian law, digitalization, media engagement, and a study visit to Cox’s Bazar to explore the humanitarian‑development nexus through the lens of international law. He also emphasized the importance of integrity, independence, and excellence in sustaining long‑term justice reforms.

Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, in his remarks said, “A strong, independent and efficient justice system is fundamental to any democracy. Through this internship programme, we are investing in young legal professionals who will help strengthen the rule of law and public trust in Bangladesh’s justice institutions.”

The programme is implemented through a transparent, merit‑based selection process and is anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Attorney General’s Office and UNDP, ensuring sustainability and institutional ownership. Graduates of the programme will remain connected through an alumni network to promote continued learning and professional collaboration.

The initiative is supported by development partner, Sweden, reflecting strong international cooperation in advancing democratic governance, rule of law, and justice sector reform in Bangladesh.

As the first cohort graduates and the second batch formally begins its journey, the AGO–UNDP Internship Programme continues to strengthen pathways for young legal professionals in Bangladesh.

Among others, Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon, MP, and the President of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association, Mohammad Arshadur Rouf, Additional Attorney General, Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, and Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor, UNDP, also spoke.

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