Published in The Daily Star on Tuesday, 22 April 2014.
Dr Kamal contributed to int’l law
Eminent persons tell book launch on his 77th birth anniversary
Staff Correspondent
Dr Kamal Hossain is a proficient lawyer not only in the country but also in the international arena, who played an important role in the development of international law apart from being involved in the framing of Bangladesh’s constitution, speakers told a book launch on Sunday.
Marking his 77th birth anniversary and 55 years in law profession, the book “International Law and Developing Countries: Essays in Honour of Kamal Hossain” was unveiled at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital. The book contains highlighted portions of different international cases conducted by the eminent jurist.
Eminent economist Dr Rehman Sobhan, who greeted Kamal Hossain by handing over a copy of the book to the latter, said the veteran lawyer not only placed arguments in different international cases but also compelled the judges to take his arguments into consideration.
Many of his arguments later embellished international law on economics, he said. “Even, he has contributions in the cases on natural resources.”
The book is edited by Supreme Court lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan, Prof of University College London Philippe Sands, and Dutch senator Nico Schrijver. The volume comprising 14 chapters has interview of Dr Kamal, his opinions and experiences on different international law, and a life sketch.
Dr Kamal said there was a dream of building a beautiful and economically developed country when the constitution was being drafted but that dream was yet to be fulfilled.
He called upon both new and old generations irrespective of religions and classes to share their experiences and co-operate with each other to establish the rule of law and a beautiful Bangladesh.
Indian economist Prof R Sudarshan said Dr Kamal’s role was undeniable on international economic law.
Dr Faustina Pereira, director of Brac’s Human Rights and Legal Aid Services programme, moderated the programme.