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Ismail Hossain Shapon, ITALY: Bangladeshi expatriate lawyer Saidul Abdul has participated in the FBE Young Lawyers Human Rights Oratory Competition 2026, held in Cologne, Germany, representing the Palermo Bar Association of Italy.
The international competition, organised by the European Bars Federation (FBE), took place from 22 to 24 October, bringing together young lawyers, trainee lawyers and law students from different European countries.
The event aimed to promote professional networking, raise awareness of human rights among young legal professionals and strengthen their skills in presenting arguments and delivering public speeches.
This year’s competition focused on “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP): A Legal Tool of the 21st Century”.
The topic addressed the misuse of costly legal proceedings to silence journalists, human rights defenders and civil society voices, as well as the implications of such practices for freedom of expression and democratic rights.
Speaking after the competition, Saidul Abdul said preventing the misuse of legal proceedings, including SLAPPs, was essential to protecting freedom of expression and democratic rights in today’s world.
Expressing satisfaction at representing Bangladesh on the international platform, he said such events played an important role in enabling young lawyers from different countries to exchange experiences and strengthen their sense of ethical responsibility in protecting human rights.
He returned to Italy on Sunday after the competition concluded.
His participation in the international event highlighted the involvement of Bangladeshi expatriate professionals in discussions on human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law.