Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programs (UCEP)

The Australian Bar Association (ABA) and Queensland judges have donated Taka 21,84,477 to the Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programs (UCEP). The cheque was handed over to Brigadier General Ahmad Executive Director of UCEP last Monday during a reception held for ABA members at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence. Eminent lawyers, judges and Bangladesh Bar Council members were also present at the occasion.

The funds were raised primarily by the Queensland Bar Association from members of the Association and the Queensland Judiciary. This is the fifth time the ABA has donated funds to UCEP, with a total of Taka 88,09,538 (approx A$128,983) donated to date.

The Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dr. Justin Lee thanked the Australian Bar members saying, “Not only have they devoted their time voluntarily to conduct specialist training, but they have also taken an interest in the wider community and continue to support underprivileged children who may otherwise never get the chance to receive formal education”. He also lauded UCEP for helping underprivileged working children gain an education to become self-reliant.

Dan O’Gorman SC, on behalf of the ABA said he was very pleased to be able to assist the important work being undertaken by UCEP. Brigadier General Ahmad of UCEP reciprocated by thanking Australian Bar Association members and their associates for their continuing generous support for improving the lives of vulnerable Bangladeshi children. “The donation will go a long way in improving the lives of these children,” he added.

ABA members and justices visit Dhaka every year to conduct a ten day long Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop for improving the strength, independence and influence of Bangladeshi barristers and advocates practising in the courts. All of the members involved in the training program volunteer their time to conduct the workshop which has been held annually in Bangladesh since 1996 with support from the Australian Government in recent years.