Have you always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and practicing law in Bangladesh? Are you looking for comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, top universities, application processes, costs and career prospects for studying law in the country? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
In this detailed guide for 2024, we will cover everything you need to know about pursuing a law degree and qualifying as a lawyer in Bangladesh. Whether you want to become a legal expert supporting major corporations or a public interest lawyer fighting for those in need, Bangladesh has various thriving career paths for legal eagles.
So if you have been losing sleep wondering what it takes to study law in Bangladesh, relax! This guide makes qualifying as an Bangladeshi lawyer seem a lot simpler. Whether you are still in high school or already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, take comfort knowing a legal education and thriving career as a lawyer awaits you here in Bangladesh. It just requires understanding the straightforward steps for embarking on this journey.
- What Degree Do You Need to Practice Law in Bangladesh?
- Top Universities to Study Law in Bangladesh
- Eligibility Criteria for Law Programs in Bangladesh
- Entrance Exams for Law Colleges in Bangladesh
- Application Process for Law Schools and Colleges
- How to Prepare for a Career in Law in Bangladesh
- To Conclude
- FAQs
What Degree Do You Need to Practice Law in Bangladesh?
The first step to becoming a licensed, practicing lawyer in Bangladesh involves completing certain degree programs recognized by the Bangladesh Bar Council. Here’s an overview of undergraduate and graduate law degrees needed to qualify as a lawyer in the country:
4-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
An undergraduate 4-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree allows you to sit for the Bangladesh Bar Council enrollment exam upon graduation. Both public and private universities across Bangladesh offer LLB programs catering to the high demand.
Reputable public universities like University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University and Rajshahi University run LLB programs alongside popular private options such as BRAC University, North South University and East West University.
2-year LLB for graduates
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you can pursue a 2-year LLB graduate degree. This accelerated graduate law program builds on your prior undergraduate foundation to make you eligible for Bar Council enrollment.
Both public and private institutions like University of Chittagong, Premier University Chittagong and Asian University for Women offer 2-year LLB degrees for those who already have undergraduate degrees.
Bar Council Enrollment
After finishing your LLB degree, you must qualify in the Bangladesh Bar Council exam to receive an enrollment certificate for practicing law. We will cover full details on mandatory Bar Council requirements later in this guide.
Top Universities to Study Law in Bangladesh
Bangladesh hosts a range of excellent public and private universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs in law across different cities.
Here is an overview of leading universities and colleges for studying law in Bangladesh based on national rankings, alumni outcomes, faculty strength and other key factors:
University of Dhaka
As the highest ranking university in Bangladesh, University of Dhaka offers a premier 5-year Bachelor of Laws program through the Faculty of Law. Graduates automatically qualify to sit for the Bangladesh Bar Council enrollment exam.
With highly credentialed faculty and extensive alumni networks, it provides comprehensive legal training aligned with Bar Council requirements for practice. Competitive admissions.
BRAC University
The private non-profit BRAC University in Dhaka delivers a globally-recognized 4 year LLB program through its Department of Law. Alongside theoretical knowledge and litigation skills, the curriculum focuses on social justice and public service.
BRAC Law School possesses dynamic faculty with advanced foreign degrees guiding small batch sizes for personalized attention. Competitive admissions.
Jahangirnagar University
Based in Savar, Jahangirnagar University Law Discipline offers a 5-year Bachelor of Laws modeled on University of Dhaka’s LLB degree. Cost-effective public university option allowing graduates to sit the Bar Council exam.
Ranked #2 in Bangladesh, JU advances legal knowledge through quality teaching and research under experienced law scholars and professionals.
North South University
The private North South University in Dhaka provides a globally-benchmarked 4 year LLB degree through the School of Law. Emphasizes combining theory with litigation skills training via moot court, public speaking modules etc.
Acclaimed full-time faculty mentoring small batches of students. Rigorous specializations on offer including corporate law, international arbitration law etc.
East West University
East West University’s 4-year LLB degree equips students with legal expertise and human values for ethical practice, justice and social progress. The private non-profit university based in Dhaka maintains strong industry linkages.
Alongside typical law modules, focuses on legal ethics, public interest litigation for human rights protections in Bangladesh and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria for Law Programs in Bangladesh
To qualify for admission into an LLB program at Bangladeshi universities and colleges, you must meet essential criteria pertaining to prior academic performance, entrance test scores and other prerequisites.
Key eligibility criteria are highlighted below:
Academic Scores
Most institutions need you to provide Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) or A-level results for evaluating eligibility.
For public universities like Dhaka University, JU and RU, minimum requirements range from attaining a GPA of 4.0+ on a scale of 5.0 in HSC exams with no less than a B in any subject.
Leading private colleges like BRAC, NSU and EWU also want you to provide O level and A level results with consistently excellent marks to demonstrate academic potential.
Entrance Tests
Besides prior grades, you need valid scores in standardized entrance tests recognized for law program admissions in Bangladesh.
NSU, EWU and other private colleges use their unique law school admission tests to test skills beyond academics. Public universities like DU and RU use aggregated scores in tests like D-Unit as eligibility.
No Age Restrictions
The good news is LLB programs in Bangladesh don’t enforce strict maximum age limits. As long as you meet score requirements, you can start preparing early or even after years in another career to pivot to law.
Stay encouraged if you develop an interest in law later in life. It just requires hard work academically and in test performance.
Entrance Exams for Law Colleges in Bangladesh
Based on whether you target public or private universities for your LLB degree, you need to pass certain mandatory entrance tests as part of eligibility criteria.
Key admissions tests are explained below:
D Unit Admission Test
If you plan to join public law schools like University of Dhaka, JU or RU, you must sit the D Unit admission test – a standardized exam assessing skills needed for higher study.
It tests Bengali, English, analytical reasoning and math skills. Your aggregate D-Unit score across subjects performed in a single exam session will be used by admissions committees.
Besides Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi also host these tests so register early based on your target university.
Individual Law College Admission Tests
Leading private law colleges and universities use their unique admission tests aligned with LLB eligibility and aptitude screening.
For instance, North South University conducts the SHLAT law admission test to gauge interest, aptitude and potential for legal study alongside reviewing academic scores.
BRAC University also uses a custom law admission test score along with O/A level results to admit high caliber candidates with balance of knowledge and skills.
Application Process for Law Schools and Colleges
Once you complete mandatory eligibility criteria like academic results and entrance tests, navigating the application process smoothly ensures you secure an admission offer on time from your desired law program.
Follow this step-by-step application process for law schools in Bangladesh:
1. Shortlist University Options
Start making a list of preferred public and private law programs you plan to target across Dhaka and other cities. Consider factors like fees, specializations offered, faculty etc.
2. Review Eligibility Norms
For each shortlisted option, head to official university websites to note eligibility criteria, entrance test needs and application document checklist.
3. Register for Entrance Tests
If targeting public law colleges like DU, apply early and register for mandatory admission tests like D-Unit. Similarly apply for private college tests.
4. Prepare Documents
Collect academic and personal documents needed such as ID card photocopies, mark sheets, certificates and passport photos.
5. Submit Applications
Once test results are available, apply directly or via university admission portals within provided application windows by attaching the requested credentials.
6. Complete Admission
If selected by your preferred university option, complete the admission process formalities like payment of fees before classes commence.
How to Prepare for a Career in Law in Bangladesh
Beyond just pursuing an LLB degree, you need to undertake robust preparation during university and after graduation to establish a successful legal career in Bangladesh.
Here are key tips for law career success:
Develop Litigation Skills
Actively participate in moot courts, debates, legal clinics and publishing law review journals during law school. Later, gain genuine court exposure as trainee under an advocate.
Build Network
Attend seminars and conferences to connect with lawyers, judges and legal professionals. Maintain links with professors and batchmates. Strong networks open job options.
Specialize
Determine specific areas of interest like civil, criminal or constitutional law and specialize accordingly from university electives to bar council exam choice and job role. Become niche expert.
Consider Higher Study
After initial bar license, consider advanced degrees like LLM, JSD or PhD from leading global law schools to gain an edge over peers for teaching, research and expert roles.
Upskill Continuously
Keep learning via bar council certification courses in emerging legal domains like fintech, cyber laws etc. Subscribe to journals. Knowledge advancement is key for legal eagles.
Follow these tips starting early to ensure you capitalize on available law career opportunities within Bangladesh’s thriving legal landscape.
To Conclude
Bangladesh presents immense opportunities for aspiring lawyers thanks to high market demand, thriving legal services industry across public and private sectors, respected career prospects and relatively straightforward study pathways.
With this comprehensive guide, you now understand the mandatory law degrees, leading university options, eligibility norms, application protocols, costs involved and bright career outlooks after becoming a licensed, practicing lawyer in the country.
Whether you desire a career in corporate law, litigation, policy making or legal academia, Bangladesh’s legal landscape offers diverse environments to utilize your expertise meaningfully. Top law graduates from universities like Dhaka University, BRAC and North South are highly valued across sectors.
FAQs
Do I need additional exams after LLB to practice law in Bangladesh?
Yes, after completing your 4-year LLB or 2-year postgraduate LLB degree, you need to pass the Bangladesh Bar Council enrollment examination to receive a certificate for legal practice in courts across the country.
What is the average cost for studying law in Bangladesh?
For top public law universities like Dhaka University, total fees are BDT 150,000 – 250,000. In comparison, private colleges like BRAC University and NSU charge over BDT 1,200,000 for the full degree. Living expenses extra.
Which university is best for studying law in Bangladesh?
University of Dhaka, BRAC University and North South University are considered among the top universities for studying law in Bangladesh due to faculty expertise, career outcomes, infrastructure and focus on litigation skills etc.
What jobs can I get after becoming a licensed lawyer?
Top legal career options after graduation and bar council certification include litigation practice, corporate law roles, legal academia, judicial officers in courts and policy roles in public sector. Lucrative opportunities.
Is there an age limit for studying LLB?
No, Bangladeshi law colleges and universities offering LLB degrees do not enforce strict maximum age restrictions. Meeting eligibility criteria around academic scores and entrance tests allows those interested to pivot to legal careers later in life too.
