The 9th Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2025 were successfully held from February 6-8, 2025, at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). With 44 participating universities and four observer teams, the competition has gained prominence as the third-largest qualifying round in the world and the second largest among South Asian countries. The prestigious event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, legal experts, and academicians, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s participation in this global legal competition.

The inaugural ceremony of the competition was graced by Mr. Md Asaduzzaman, Honorable Attorney General of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. Additionally, Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member of the Board of Trustees, AIUB; Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice-Chancellor of AIUB; Mr. Nuran Choudhury, National Coordinator, ILSA Chapters Bangladesh and K M Ashbarul Bari, National Administrator, 8^th Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds were among the esteemed dignitaries present at the event.

The grand finale of the event took place on 8^th February at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). The final round was presided over by His Lordship Mr. Justice Md. Rezaul Hasan, Honorable Judge, High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He was joined by co-adjudicators Professor Guðmundur Eiríksson, former Judge of ITLOS and Professor at Jindal Global Law School, and Barrister Sara Hossain, Deputy Head of Chambers and Partner at Dr. Kamal Hossain & Associates.

Along with the final round judges, the closing ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Hasanul A Hasan, Founder Member and Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, AIUB; Dr. Carmen Z Lamagna, Former Vice Chancellor and Member, Board of Trustees; Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice-Chancellor, AIUB; Professor Dr. Taslima Monsoor, Adviser, Department of Law, AIUB and distinguished guests from the legal and academic community. They commended the participants for their dedication and emphasized the significance of mooting in shaping future legal professionals.

After intense and rigorous arguments, BRAC University emerged as the champion of the 9th Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds, with Eastern University securing the position of runners-up. Mahir Chowdhury from Eastern University was recognized as the ‘Best Mooter’ of the competition. The ‘Best Applicant Memorial Award’ was conferred upon North South University, while Jahangirnagar University received the ‘Best Respondent Memorial Award’. Additionally, the ‘‘Best New Team Award” was presented to Noakhali Science and Technology University, recognizing their exceptional commitment to the competition’s values.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was the announcement of the teams advancing to the White & Case International Rounds, scheduled to take place in the United States later this year. The selected teams will have the honor of representing Bangladesh on the global stage, competing against top law schools worldwide.

Widely recognized as the ‘World Cup of Moot,’ the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the flagship program of the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the world’s largest law association. This year, more than 900 law schools from nearly 100 countries are participating in the global competition.

The 2025 Bangladesh Qualifying Round is proudly supported by Hearth Bangladesh, the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), and other like-minded local and international organizations. Their collaboration ensures a well-organized and competitive event, fostering the development of aspiring legal professionals in Bangladesh.