Sovereignty, state laws cannot override human rights and humanity: Chief justice

Chief Justice Zobayer Rahman Chowdhury has said sovereignty or state laws cannot take precedence over fundamental human rights and humanity. The concept of sovereignty now also entails a responsibility to participate in international cooperation to address global crises, he said.

He made the remarks as chief guest at the opening ceremony of an international conference at Rajshahi University’s Senate Building on Friday (30 October). The university’s Department of Law organised the two-day conference, titled “Sovereignty, Humanity and Law in the Contemporary World”.

The chief justice said crises around the world no longer remain confined within any one country’s geographical boundaries. This reality is challenging the traditional, rigid concept of sovereignty. Alongside a state’s right to make independent decisions, its responsibility to cooperate internationally has therefore become important, he said.

He expressed hope that the conference would help people from different regions and professions exchange research findings and experiences. He said discussion of the role of law in protecting human dignity and establishing a just and peaceful world was essential.

The chief justice said he expected the conference to produce an effective framework for addressing global problems. He also said the event would encourage new research on sovereignty, human rights, international law and the rule of law.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Faridul Islam chaired the ceremony. He said sovereignty, humanity and law were deeply interconnected. Globalisation, armed conflict, technological development, climate change, migration and inequality were creating new challenges, he said.

The vice-chancellor stressed the importance of academic discussion and interdisciplinary research in finding legal and institutional solutions suited to these challenges.

According to the organisers’ schedule, a total of 124 research papers are due to be presented across four academic sessions.

Conference convener Dr Begum Asma Siddiqua delivered the welcome address. Professor Sayeeda Anju, chair of the Department of Law, gave the vote of thanks. Department students SM Ridwan Junaid and Tasnim Taiyeba moderated the ceremony.

Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Md Abdul Alim and Professor Mamunur Rashid attended the event, along with teachers, researchers, judges, lawyers and students.