Erfan Ibne Aman Omi is a UK-educated Barrister, and a Practicing Lawyer in the Courts of Bangladesh. He has a rich and diverse background in law, particularly with a focus on both the UK and Bangladesh legal system. He holds the position of Head of Chambers at "Liberty Chambers”, with nearly a decade’s experience in legal practice. His work alongside local politicians and social workers in Bangladesh provided him with valuable insights into national and local political structures, which is crucial for understanding the legal landscape in that region. This experience gives him a nuanced understanding of how the law interacts with politics and social issues in Bangladesh. His knowledge of religion, society, culture, and politics in these regions is valuable in legal contexts where these factors intersect with the law. This makes him a regional expert of South Asia and the Muslim world, especially related to religion, society, culture, and politics.
The Expert has a comprehensive skill set and background that enables him to navigate complex legal issues in diverse cultural and political contexts effectively. His expertise in Bangladeshi society and culture, coupled with his deep knowledge of Bangladeshi politics, human rights issues, and immigration regulations in the UK, underscores his multifaceted understanding of legal complexities.
His specialization in areas such as asylum, international conventions, and relations between Bangladesh and other nations signifies a keen awareness of global legal frameworks and diplomatic interactions. Moreover, his research and advisory roles in Bangladesh, specifically on formal and informal justice systems, freedom of speech, political rights, anti-corruption efforts, violence against women, Minority Rights, Human Rights, Immigration Rules and Regulations of the United Kingdom, Convention Rights, International Relations between Bangladesh and other nations and religious minorities (Hindus, Christians, Atheists) highlights his commitment to advancing justice and human rights in his practice.
Researcher of Human Rights, Politics, and International Relations
The Expert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role, combining a strong legal background with significant fieldwork and activism in human rights, particularly within Bangladesh. He has conducted research, advisory, and consultancy work in Bangladesh on the formal and informal criminal judiciary systems, freedom of speech, other constitutional rights, Political and universal rights, violence against women and children, Political and Government corruption, extra-judicial killings, minority rights, and so on.
Here are the key aspects of his expertise:
- Legal and Educational Background: As a UK-educated Barrister, the Expert has received formal training in law, qualifying him to practice as a Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. His academic pursuits have included specialized studies in International Protection of Human Rights and Public International Law, providing him with a solid foundation in international legal frameworks relevant to human rights.
- Fieldwork Experience: His extensive fieldwork experience in both Bangladesh and the UK has equipped him with practical insights into legal and human rights issues. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the intersection of law, society, and politics in Bangladesh, where he has engaged directly with human rights activism and advocacy.
- Human Rights Activism: Through his work as a Human Rights Activist, the Expert has been involved in various aspects of promoting and defending human rights in Bangladesh. Moreover, he has been actively engaged in advocating for the rights of individuals targeted for their political views or affiliations. This activism involves raising awareness, documenting cases of persecution, and supporting efforts to secure justice and protection for victims. This includes witnessing and addressing human rights violations first-hand, as well as coordinating efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, such as religious minorities (Hindus, Christians, Atheists).
- Research Focus and Analysis: His research focuses on Bangladeshi politics, society, culture, and human rights which includes analysing patterns of political persecution, identifying perpetrators, and documenting human rights abuses. This research provides valuable insights into legal and societal dynamics within Bangladesh and the systemic issues underlying political repression in Bangladesh.
- Legal Representation and Advocacy: In his role as a Barrister, the Expert provides legal representation and advocacy for individuals facing political persecution and grave Human Rights infringements. This includes representing clients in ghost, false and fabricated proceedings, challenging wrongful detention or prosecution, and seeking redress for human rights violations.
- Expertise in Religious Minorities: His specialization extends to understanding the challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, which involves legal, social, and political dimensions. This expertise is crucial for addressing issues related to religious freedom and minority rights within the country.
- Regional Expertise: His specialization in Bangladeshi society and politics enhances his ability to understand the specific contexts and dynamics that contribute to political persecution in the country. This regional expertise is essential for crafting effective strategies to address and mitigate such persecution.
Furthermore, the Expert is well-equipped to address issues of political persecution through his comprehensive understanding of legal principles, practical experience in advocacy and activism and his in-depth research into human rights issues in Bangladesh. His work contributes significantly to promoting social justice, protecting human rights, and advocating for those affected by political repression.
The Expert has a broad and comprehensive expertise encompassing various critical aspects of Bangladeshi society and governance. The Expert worked on Bangladeshi society and culture, having particular expertise on Bangladeshi politics namely the political structures, processes, and dynamics. He engages in advocacy and research to promote and protect human rights in Bangladesh, comprising of freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, and other political rights including the rights of religious minorities (Hindus, Christians, Atheists). He has conducted research, advisory and consultancy work in Bangladesh on the formal and informal justice systems, anti-corruption, violence against women, and minority rights, etc.
The Experts specific fields of interest and the proficiency include:
- The Political situation in Bangladesh, namely he has in-depth knowledge of all the political parties (Awami League, BNP, Jamaat, etc), senior and local leaders of opposition parties;
- The judicial system of Bangladesh.
- Freedom of Speech, movement, and assembly.
- Extrajudicial killings.
- Administration of the government.
- Sexual harassment and violence.
- Government’s attitude toward the opposition.
- Judicial independence.
- Disappearances through the law enforcement agencies.
- Political and non-political harassment through the Police, RAB and other law enforcement agencies.
- False, Ghost and Fabricated cases.
- Persecution of minorities (religion, cast, etc.) and violent extremism.
- Abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.
- Political abuse
- Prosecution of the human rights activists and defenders.
- Force marriage.
- Violence against women, children, and minorities.
- Corruption in the election.
- Violence in the election.
- Access to justice.
- Political conflict.
- Civil justice system
- Bangladeshi immigration system.
- Labour law.
- Employment discrimination and Unfair dismissal based on political background.
- Laws curtailing free speech, state attitude towards opposition.
- Police Harassment.
- Persecution of human rights defenders;
- Persecution of LGBTQ community members;
- Persecution of religious minorities.
The Expert has dealt with victims of grave human rights violation and their families regarding legal actions being carried out against them. The Expert gave numerous interviews across a variety of TV, radio, the printed press and on social media focusing on critical issues such as the political situation in Bangladesh, democracy, freedom of speech, extrajudicial killings, government administration, violence, and the government's treatment of opposition parties and leaders. His expertise encompasses analyzing and advocating for judicial independence in Bangladesh, addressing concerns related to enforced disappearances carried out by the law enforcement agencies, political and non-political harassment by the Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies, and the prosecution of human rights activists and defenders by false and fabricated cases.
Moreover, the Expert has cumulated extensive experience and expertise across a wide spectrum of critical issues within Bangladesh's legal, political, and social framework such as Abuse of power by law enforcement agencies, corruption and vote rigging in the electoral process of Bangladesh, violence in the election, access to justice, political conflict, civil justice system, labour law and unfair dismissal and employment discrimination based on political background.
Furthermore, the Expert has In-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s legal system and its shortcomings, socio-political dynamics, and cultural distinctions, enabling comprehensive understanding of immigration matters tailored to the unique framework of the country.
Additionally, the Expert has a strong network all over Bangladesh to verify legal and other documents as required. He is working to contribute to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting rights-based approaches to governance, and addressing systemic challenges in Bangladeshi society.
PUBLICATIONS
Nobboir Gono-Ovyuthan O Kichhu Kotha- by Aman Ullah Aman
(Substantial Contribution).
TV Talkshow
Talk show- “Election Hour” on Candidates standing in the 2018 national election of Bangladesh. Channel- ATN Bangla [Dhaka], 20th December 2018