Shyikh Mahdi
Thank you for taking an interest in my professional journey!
I am a Bangladeshi lawyer (Barrister and Advocate) currently serving as a Prosecutor (Assistant Attorney General) at the International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh (“ICT-BD”). My areas of practice include International Crimes, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Law.
My legal career began in 2010 as a student intern and researcher with the Defense team in several cases before the ICT. In 2015, I transitioned to commercial and corporate law, providing advisory and dispute resolution services. Over the years, I have advised multinational corporations, private companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations across industries such as banking, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. Additionally, I have represented clients in civil and criminal matters, delivering effective legal solutions both in and outside the courtroom.
I advised and collaborated with law firms in the US, China, the Netherlands, and the UK on a variety of legal matters concerning Bangladeshi citizens and entities. I have also gained extensive multi-jurisdictional practice experience through my work at a solicitor firm in London during 2018-2019. Moreover, I acted as an Expert Witness before the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber) of the United Kingdom on a number of asylum cases relating to Bangladeshi citizens.
As part of constitutional activism, I joined the notable Writ Petition No. 9935 of 2024 as one of the intervenors, which declared parts of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution illegal by a landmark judgment, thereby restoring the non-party Caretaker government. I am also a petitioner in Writ Petition No. 10356 of 2024 (pending hearing), which challenged the legality of Article 116 of the Constitution, essentially advocating for full and effective separation of the Judiciary.
In June-July 2024, during the student-led movement in Bangladesh, I joined an initiative that extended legal support to thousands of protesting students and members of the public. Following this, I assumed my current role as a prosecutor at ICT-BD, reconstituted to prosecute crimes against humanity committed in July and August 2024.
Legal Education
- University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (LLB (Honours) and LLM)
- Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (LLM with Distinction)
- BPP University, United Kingdom (BTT)
Professional Memberships
- Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association
- Dhaka Bar Association
- Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn of the United Kingdom (Member of the Hall)
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), as Associate Member (ACIArb)
- Bangladesh Law Association (Bangladesh Ain Somity)
- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)
Outside the Court
I spend time nurturing young legal minds as an adjunct faculty member at Daffodil International University in Dhaka. I am a co-founder of the Denning Law Institute, a pioneering initiative for promoting legal professional development. I also advise “Socchar (সোচ্চার)” – Torture Watchdog Bangladesh as the Director of Legal Affairs.
Outside Law
I am an avid traveler and have a keen interest in developing my culinary skills.
Notable Clients & Collaborations
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