News Flash
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) today held a symposium on the role of international law in protecting democratic processes across the globe.
The symposium, titled 'The Role of International Law in Protecting Democracies', was held this afternoon at the BILIA auditorium here, with a discussant from the University of Chicago Law School.
The programme began with a welcome speech by BILIA Director Ambassador M Maroof Zaman.
Professor Dr Tom Ginsburg of the University of Chicago Law School delivered the keynote speech at the event, with BILIA Chairman Professor Borhan Uddin Khan in the chair.
Delivering the keynote speech, Professor Tom Ginsburg warned that recent violations of international law signal a dangerous shift towards a lawless global order.
"What we are seeing now is the rise of what I call 'authoritarian international law'. Authoritarian regimes are no longer just mimicking international law; they are actively using it to extend regime survival and repress dissent," he said.
"Democracies invented many of these legal tools, but authoritarians are repurposing them for control. If democracies abandon international institutions, others will fill the vacuum," he added.
He noted that regional organisations can still provide space, pressure and legitimacy when democracy breaks down.
He urged democracies to remain engaged in international institutions and strengthen regional mechanisms to resist authoritarian international law and protect democratic norms.
Professor Borhan Uddin Khan conducted the discussion session and answered queries from participants.
He also mentioned the mounting misuse of power by global leaders and urged society, particularly global players, to respect international law to protect democracy and human rights.
At the end of the event, Professor Ekramul Haque expressed thanks to the participants.
Scholars, professors from different public and private universities, and former government officials joined the symposium.
