Presidency University wins spirit of the competition award
The Department of Law and Justice at Presidency University has garnered international recognition for Bangladesh by winning the prestigious IBA Spirit of the Competition Award at the IBA ICC Moot Court Competition 2025, held in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 11 to 18.
This year's competition featured 88 teams from 45 countries, with law students presenting arguments in simulated proceedings modelled on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Representing Bangladesh as its sole delegation, the Presidency University team—comprising Syed Mahin, Md Mahbubur Rahman Sohag, Sonali Rajbongshi, and Dipannita Chakma—achieved a historic milestone under the guidance of Lecturer Sal Sabil Chowdhury (Coach) and Md Rafi Ibn Masud (Assistant Coach).
The Spirit of the Competition Award, introduced by the International Bar Association (IBA) for the first time this year, recognises integrity, perseverance, and collaboration. Presidency University became the inaugural recipient, marking a proud moment for both the institution and the country.
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To celebrate the achievement, the university hosted a "Meet the Press" event on June 29, 2025, at Hotel La Vinci's Monalisa Hall in Dhaka. Md Deedarul Islam Bhuiyan, Head of the Department of Law, stated, "This is not just a personal milestone for our students, but a significant victory for legal education in Bangladesh."
Dean of the School of Law, Mohammad Azharul Islam, remarked, "Our students have proven their excellence on an international stage. Their achievement will inspire future law professionals in Bangladesh."
Lecturer Sal Sabil Chowdhury credited the students' discipline and resilience throughout the competition, which they overcame with determination and teamwork.
Launched in July 2024, following approval by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Department of Law and Justice at Presidency University is already gaining recognition. The department currently has 119 LL.B. and 69 LL.M. students, supported by a faculty of top graduates from the University of Dhaka.
Presidency University expressed sincere gratitude to the IBA and Leiden University for organising the competition and providing a global platform for young legal minds. This early success signals a new chapter for Bangladesh's legal academia and sets a benchmark for future participation in international legal forums.
