'New ideas, thoughts needed in politics'

Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud, president of the association and vice-chairman of Bar Council, invited Kristine, a research counsel of Public Affairs Department under the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, to join the membership at the ceremony held at the association auditorium.

Rokanuddin said new ideas and thoughts are very much needed in Bangladesh's politics.

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"I hope you (Kristine) would contribute to the Bangladesh's politics through your knowledge and creativity," he said.

Kristine also gave a lecture on 'Enforcement of constitutional rights through the court: USA perspective'.

She said the constitution of Bangladesh encompasses many of the same fundamental rights as the US constitution.

"Lawyers are the guardians of the legal system. It is up to us to protect individuals from wrongs committed by large governments and big businesses," said Kristine.

"In America, legislation contrary to our constitution continues to be introduced and passed into law every day and I was shocked when I discovered this," she observed.

Barrister Amir-ul Islam, vice-president of Bangladesh Bar Council, said the lawyers of Bangladesh would like to create a strong bond with the US lawyers as the constitutions of both the countries share some basic fundamental rights.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Hasina, said nobody, not even the government, has the right to deprive the people of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.

General Secretary of the association Bashir Ahmed, Yousuf Hossain Humyun and Sahara Khatun were also present at the reception ceremony.