Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn) and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, with over 18 years’ experience in legal practice and country expertise on Bangladesh, specializing in political, religious, ethnic, and social group persecution, human rights, and rule of law issues.
Name
Fazle Elahi Reza
Occupation
Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn
Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Webpage
Expertise
I possess extensive expertise in the legal, political, and socio-economic framework of Bangladesh, with over 18 years of professional experience as a practicing advocate and legal educator. As a Country of Origin Expert for Bangladesh, I have provided informed opinions and expert testimony in immigration and asylum matters, focusing on the practical operation of Bangladeshi legal institutions, governance, human rights practices, law enforcement, and access to justice.
My expertise covers:
- Criminal, Civil, Commercial, and Writ Jurisdiction within the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
- Human rights and rule of law issues relevant to asylum and protection claims.
- Political and legal systems of Bangladesh, including the operation of the judiciary, police, and administrative bodies.
- Socio-political and cultural context, including risks faced by minorities, political activists, and vulnerable groups.
- Legal procedures and documentation practices, including criminal charges, warrants, and official processes.
In addition to his courtroom practice, I have extensive background in legal education and academic training related to English and Bangladeshi law. As the Founder and Head of Grace Law Academy, and a former Programme Leader for the University of London International Programme in Bangladesh at BAC International Study Centre, I have contributed to raising the standards of legal education and advocacy training across the country.
Experience
I am regularly providing expert legal opinions and country reports for use in UK, offering reliable, evidence-based assessments of Bangladeshi legal and political conditions. My instructions mainly come from UK-based immigration solicitors and chambers, I write an average of 5 expert reports in a month and I have been accepted as a Country Expert in multiple immigration and asylum proceedings.
Publications
I have contributed extensively to the field of Bangladeshi and English law through academic writing, legal education materials:
- Editor, Grace Law Academy Law Journal (2023–present) — a comprehensive series of legal study guides and case summaries for University of London LL. B (Hons) students in Bangladesh.
- Previous Editor, BAC Law Journal (2017-2019)
- Authored, Study Modules on Public Law (BAC International Study Centre, 2017–2019).
- Regular Contributor to professional legal discussions and commentary on Bangladeshi judicial reform, rule of law, and governance, featured in both academic and professional platforms.
Languages
English (Fluent), Bengali (Fluent)
Ethnic groups expertise
I possess in-depth knowledge of the ethnic, cultural, and religious composition of Bangladesh, and has extensive professional experience dealing with cases involving minority and marginalized communities.
My expertise covers:
• Ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) — including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and other indigenous groups — with particular focus on issues of land rights, displacement, militarization, and access to justice.
• Religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, and the legal and social challenges they face in relation to discrimination, property disputes under the Vested Property Act, and religious intolerance.
• Rohingya refugees and their legal status within Bangladesh — including matters concerning citizenship, movement restrictions, and protection under domestic and international law.
• Socio-political tensions and inter-communal relations, particularly in rural areas, where ethnic identity intersects with local governance, law enforcement, and political influence.
• Gender and minority intersectionality, addressing the unique vulnerabilities of ethnic and religious minority women in contexts of forced marriage, trafficking, and social exclusion.
My understanding of ethnic group dynamics is grounded in both practical legal experience and first-hand engagement with affected communities through advocacy, litigation, and social development initiatives. My expertise is regularly applied in country expert reports for asylum and human rights cases involving individuals from ethnic and religious minority backgrounds in Bangladesh.
My expertise covers:
• Ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) — including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and other indigenous groups — with particular focus on issues of land rights, displacement, militarization, and access to justice.
• Religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, and the legal and social challenges they face in relation to discrimination, property disputes under the Vested Property Act, and religious intolerance.
• Rohingya refugees and their legal status within Bangladesh — including matters concerning citizenship, movement restrictions, and protection under domestic and international law.
• Socio-political tensions and inter-communal relations, particularly in rural areas, where ethnic identity intersects with local governance, law enforcement, and political influence.
• Gender and minority intersectionality, addressing the unique vulnerabilities of ethnic and religious minority women in contexts of forced marriage, trafficking, and social exclusion.
My understanding of ethnic group dynamics is grounded in both practical legal experience and first-hand engagement with affected communities through advocacy, litigation, and social development initiatives. My expertise is regularly applied in country expert reports for asylum and human rights cases involving individuals from ethnic and religious minority backgrounds in Bangladesh.
Political groups expertise
I possess extensive expertise in the political landscape and party structures of Bangladesh, with deep insight into the functioning, conflicts, and risks associated with political affiliation and opposition activity. My professional background as a practicing advocate before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has provided first-hand exposure to politically motivated cases, persecution claims, and the misuse of legal and administrative powers for political purposes.
His political expertise includes:
• Major Political Parties:
o Awami League (AL) — understanding of its organizational structure, control over state institutions, and role in governance since 2009.
o Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — assessment of the challenges faced by its members, including arbitrary arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, and restrictions on assembly and expression.
o Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) — expertise on the political and legal repercussions following its deregistration and the targeting of its activists and affiliates.
• Political Violence and Persecution:
Extensive knowledge of politically motivated arrests, detentions, and criminal charges, particularly under the Digital Security Act (DSA), the Anti-Terrorism Act, and provisions of the Penal Code. Regularly analyses the use of fabricated cases and abuse of prosecutorial discretion against opposition members.
• Law Enforcement and Judicial Dynamics:
Insight into how law enforcement agencies (such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion, and intelligence services) and judicial mechanisms are influenced by political considerations.
• Grassroots and Student Politics:
Understanding of the influence of student organizations like the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), and their role in local political control, intimidation, and recruitment.
• Human Rights and Political Freedoms:
Expertise in documenting and analysing restrictions on political dissent, freedom of expression, assembly, and media freedom, based on both case experience and field-level reports.
I have prepared numerous expert reports for UK and EU immigration and asylum proceedings, particularly relating to claimants affiliated with or perceived to support opposition political parties
His political expertise includes:
• Major Political Parties:
o Awami League (AL) — understanding of its organizational structure, control over state institutions, and role in governance since 2009.
o Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — assessment of the challenges faced by its members, including arbitrary arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, and restrictions on assembly and expression.
o Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) — expertise on the political and legal repercussions following its deregistration and the targeting of its activists and affiliates.
• Political Violence and Persecution:
Extensive knowledge of politically motivated arrests, detentions, and criminal charges, particularly under the Digital Security Act (DSA), the Anti-Terrorism Act, and provisions of the Penal Code. Regularly analyses the use of fabricated cases and abuse of prosecutorial discretion against opposition members.
• Law Enforcement and Judicial Dynamics:
Insight into how law enforcement agencies (such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion, and intelligence services) and judicial mechanisms are influenced by political considerations.
• Grassroots and Student Politics:
Understanding of the influence of student organizations like the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), and their role in local political control, intimidation, and recruitment.
• Human Rights and Political Freedoms:
Expertise in documenting and analysing restrictions on political dissent, freedom of expression, assembly, and media freedom, based on both case experience and field-level reports.
I have prepared numerous expert reports for UK and EU immigration and asylum proceedings, particularly relating to claimants affiliated with or perceived to support opposition political parties
Religious groups expertise
I also possess religious expertise on:
• Majority and Minority Relations:
Comprehensive understanding of Islam’s dominant role in Bangladeshi politics and society, and how religious identity intersects with political, cultural, and legal institutions.
• Religious Minorities:
o Hindu community: Deep knowledge of issues related to religious discrimination, land confiscation under the Vested Property Act, mob violence, and social marginalization.
o Christian community: Experience in cases involving conversion-related harassment, church attacks, and restrictions on proselytizing.
o Buddhist community: Awareness of tensions affecting Buddhist minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including state neglect, displacement, and militarization.
o Ahmadiyya Muslim community: Understanding of religious intolerance, community-level hostility, and governmental ambivalence in protecting this minority group.
• Religious Extremism and State Response:
Expertise in analysing the impact of religious radicalization, the activities of extremist groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam and similar organizations, and the government’s political use of religion in policy and law enforcement.
• Freedom of Religion and Belief:
Insight into the constitutional guarantees of secularism and their erosion through political practice, as well as the practical challenges faced by atheists, secular bloggers, and liberal activists who have been subjected to threats, violence, or prosecution under blasphemy-related provisions and the Digital Security Act.
• Legal and Social Protection:
Familiarity with the deficiencies in state protection for religious minorities and the lack of effective redress mechanisms for victims of religious persecution.
• Majority and Minority Relations:
Comprehensive understanding of Islam’s dominant role in Bangladeshi politics and society, and how religious identity intersects with political, cultural, and legal institutions.
• Religious Minorities:
o Hindu community: Deep knowledge of issues related to religious discrimination, land confiscation under the Vested Property Act, mob violence, and social marginalization.
o Christian community: Experience in cases involving conversion-related harassment, church attacks, and restrictions on proselytizing.
o Buddhist community: Awareness of tensions affecting Buddhist minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including state neglect, displacement, and militarization.
o Ahmadiyya Muslim community: Understanding of religious intolerance, community-level hostility, and governmental ambivalence in protecting this minority group.
• Religious Extremism and State Response:
Expertise in analysing the impact of religious radicalization, the activities of extremist groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam and similar organizations, and the government’s political use of religion in policy and law enforcement.
• Freedom of Religion and Belief:
Insight into the constitutional guarantees of secularism and their erosion through political practice, as well as the practical challenges faced by atheists, secular bloggers, and liberal activists who have been subjected to threats, violence, or prosecution under blasphemy-related provisions and the Digital Security Act.
• Legal and Social Protection:
Familiarity with the deficiencies in state protection for religious minorities and the lack of effective redress mechanisms for victims of religious persecution.
Other social groups expertise
I also possess wide-ranging expertise in the social structure, class dynamics, and vulnerability of diverse social groups in Bangladesh. My areas of expertise include:
• Women and Gender-Based Vulnerability:
o Deep understanding of the status of women in Bangladeshi society, including issues of domestic violence, forced marriage, sexual harassment, and trafficking.
o Analysis of gender discrimination in law enforcement, employment, and access to justice.
o Experience with cases involving politically or religiously motivated gender-based persecution, including risks faced by female political activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority women.
• LGBTQ+ Community:
o Knowledge of the social stigma, legal status, and vulnerability of LGBTQ+ persons under Section 377 of the Penal Code and prevailing social attitudes.
o Familiarity with police harassment, extortion, and lack of institutional protection for individuals expressing non-conforming sexual or gender identities.
• Journalists, Bloggers, and Human Rights Defenders:
o Expertise on the risks faced by media professionals, secular bloggers, and civil society activists, particularly under the Digital Security Act (DSA).
o Analysis of state surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary detention targeting individuals for expressing dissenting or critical views.
• Students, Labourers, and Migrant Workers:
o Understanding of student politics, including coercion, recruitment, and violence linked to political organizations such as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
o Insight into labour rights violations, unsafe working conditions, and economic exploitation in the garment and construction sectors, particularly affecting low-income and rural populations.
• Victims of Corruption and Abuse of Power:
o Experience in analyzing how corruption, political influence, and patronage networks create vulnerability for individuals without connections or financial means.
o Understanding of systemic barriers to justice, police impunity, and social inequality that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalized.
• Women and Gender-Based Vulnerability:
o Deep understanding of the status of women in Bangladeshi society, including issues of domestic violence, forced marriage, sexual harassment, and trafficking.
o Analysis of gender discrimination in law enforcement, employment, and access to justice.
o Experience with cases involving politically or religiously motivated gender-based persecution, including risks faced by female political activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority women.
• LGBTQ+ Community:
o Knowledge of the social stigma, legal status, and vulnerability of LGBTQ+ persons under Section 377 of the Penal Code and prevailing social attitudes.
o Familiarity with police harassment, extortion, and lack of institutional protection for individuals expressing non-conforming sexual or gender identities.
• Journalists, Bloggers, and Human Rights Defenders:
o Expertise on the risks faced by media professionals, secular bloggers, and civil society activists, particularly under the Digital Security Act (DSA).
o Analysis of state surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary detention targeting individuals for expressing dissenting or critical views.
• Students, Labourers, and Migrant Workers:
o Understanding of student politics, including coercion, recruitment, and violence linked to political organizations such as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
o Insight into labour rights violations, unsafe working conditions, and economic exploitation in the garment and construction sectors, particularly affecting low-income and rural populations.
• Victims of Corruption and Abuse of Power:
o Experience in analyzing how corruption, political influence, and patronage networks create vulnerability for individuals without connections or financial means.
o Understanding of systemic barriers to justice, police impunity, and social inequality that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalized.
Fees
[Private to EIN members]
Contact email
Phone
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Address
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