AGO, UNDP launch second batch of internship programme

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) of Bangladesh, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the second batch of the AGO-UNDP Internship Programme at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday.

The internship programme was introduced in 2025 as a first‑of‑its‑kind initiative to bridge the gap between academic legal education and the practical realities of public sector legal practice, read a press release. 

The programme offers selected law graduates a structured six-month opportunity to gain hands-on exposure through mentorship, legal research, and direct engagement with constitutional and public interest cases under the Attorney General’s Office.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister 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, Attorney General 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 emphasised 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, digitalisation, media engagement, and a study visit to Cox’s Bazar to explore the humanitarian development nexus through the lens of international law. 

He also emphasised the importance of integrity, independence, and excellence in sustaining long-term justice reforms.

Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks 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 begin their journey, the AGO-UNDP Internship Programme continues to strengthen pathways for young legal professionals in Bangladesh.