Banglades's National Debrief on the ICJ Advisory Opinion
On 20 March, 2025, Bangladesh National Front of WYCJ in collaboration with the Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh (CCJ-B) organized the National Debrief on Bangladesh’s submissions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of climate change at the Dhaka’s Bishwo Sahitya Kendra. Academicians, lawyers, judges, civil society representatives, youth climate advocates, activists, and students attended the event offering a set of diversified perspectives.
Adv. M. Hafijul Islam Khan, Director of CCJ-B, commenced the program with introductory remarks with an emphasis on the necessity of such dialogues in strengthening Bangladesh’s role in climate action and advocacy. Nicole Ponce, Coordinator of the Asian Front of WYCJ, joined online to share the broader aims of the organisation and to highlight the importance of youth engagement in international legal processes.
One of the main elements of the program was participants watching Bangladesh's oral submission to the ICJ. Afterwards, Adv. Moumita Das Gupta, the Co-lead of Bangladesh National Front, presented a draft policy brief which helped provide an overview of Bangladesh’s arguments before the ICJ. The presentation led to a significant discussion on the ICJ Advisory Opinion, focusing on the states’ obligations to protect the climate system and the consequences for those failing to do so.
Moderated by Adv. M. Hafijul Islam Khan, the program also included a constructive discussion, which allowed participants to discuss pressing issues. Eminent climate expert Dr. Mizan R. Khan addressed strategic barriers to achieving climate justice, while Professor Md. Abdul Awal Khan of Independent University, Bangladesh raised the need to clarify terms like “climate-induced migration” versus “climate-induced refugees” and stressed the importance of defining state responsibilities. Other participants brought forward the need to consider the role of non-state stakeholders, as well as the significance of science-based data, and the need for the translation of key legal documents into Bangla for broader reach and understanding.
A theme that came up repeatedly in the discussion was the challenges of aligning Bangladesh’s domestic laws with its international legal commitments. The need for robust legal and institutional frameworks to address climate hazards effectively was not only stressed on by Dr. Easir Arafat Khan of Bangladesh University of Engineering and technology but he also questioned the nation’s preparedness for implementing local climate policies.
The event ended with a gratitude expression, a communal iftar, and left the participants with a renewed sense of purpose. The scale of gathering and the discourses held showcased Bangladesh’s commitment to climate justice on an international scale as well as within its communities.
Conclusion
The National Debrief is proof of Bangladesh’s proactive approach to climate advocacy and legal innovation. The energy and insights from this gathering will continue to inspire and sensitize climate action at every level as we wait for the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion. The success of this event highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and the significant role of youth, civil society, and legal professionals in working towards advancing climate justice for present and all times to come.