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Campus Feature

Conversation with three students of Law Department, DU.

Sharin Shajahan Naomi

In a very interesting interview, three meritorious students from Department of Law, Dhaka University, share their basic mantra for rocking academic result

During my three years of study in the Department of Law of Dhaka University, I have noticed that the most important issue among the students is somehow related to getting a first class in the exams. Though it sounds very easy to secure 60% (First class average) marks in exam, but in the Law Department of Dhaka University it is extremely difficult and rare. Fortunately, since last year students of the first year of Law Department are getting the privilege of the grading system. However, the past batches know very well how difficult it is to get a first class degree from the best educational institution for law in Bangladesh! Every year at most three or four students have an average of 60% all through.

One shiny morning, three of the most brilliant students of law department shared academic journey with Star Campus at the British Council café. They are Mohammad Azharul Islam Habib ( L.L.M), Christabel Randaloph and Taslima Yasmin ( both in 4th year ).

Habib is the one of the most popular senior students, known as ' Habib Bhai” among the law students. Throughout the four year undergraduate program, not for a single year had he lost his 1st position . After Habib, the name that students from law department take is Christabel. Though she is not an all time first, she is extremely popular for her class performance and her polite and friendly nature. Taslima gained instant popularity among the students for showing her magic- scoring fantastic marks and covering the deficit of her previous years in one year to attain First Class. Habib himself admitted, 'What Taslima has done is unprecedented. Usually students who do not get first class in first or second year, cannot cover the gap in one year, but Taslima has broken that record'.

In a hour-long conversation with me, these three unmasked the efforts behind their success through a very amiable question-answer session:

Question: If I ask what is your basic mantra for getting First Class, what would you say?
Habib: Regular study, punctuality, cooperation from teachers, keeping yourself updated over the internet, going through Law Reports in details and also taking help from law pages of different newspapers.

Christabel: From what I know, Habib Bhai is a perfect example of a bookworm. I have even found him reading while in a bus!

Habib: (Smiling) Actually I read about eight to nine books for each subject. So I have to immerse myself in books as much as possible.

Chirstabel: I always emphasize on comprehensive understanding of a subject, analyzing it, following the classes and going through the books referred to in class. For exams I usually note down some important topics and do extensive research on it. I am against of any sort of memorizing, though.

Habib: The most important thing is the depth of understanding and the ability to contemplate the subject from different angles.

Taslima: I do agree with Chrsitabel and Habib Bhai. But I think we have do to memorize some things, like the important provisions of Law. Another important factor is good presentation of your exam paper.

Christabel: But one should not emphasize only on hand writing or using colorful pens to get first class.

Habib: True, but good presentation of exam paper is also a
skill .

Question: What sort of privileges does a first class LL.B. (Honours) degree usually provide?

Habib: It paves your way towards a bright future. As a researcher, teacher, judge, or a lawyer, this degree helps you in so many ways. When you get a first class degree in Law, it means you must have a strong tendency of studying, researching, and analyzing. This habit and long grooming of yourself for the first class will definitely assist you in the long run.

Taslima: No doubt, first class has some extra benefits. But if you have no other quality except those marks, then it may be of little benefit. You have to have other skills and qualities, supported by your first class degree.

Christabel: First class is not the end of your journey. It is a complete misconception that it is the sole criteria for your success in future. First class fosters your other capacities in building up your career.

Question: Though a little bit embarrassing, but I cannot resist asking you, whenever a student gets first class in Dhaka University, he or she is labeled as having good contact with the teachers. What is your comment on this issue?

Taslima: When I prepare myself to do well in exams, I have to knock the teachers for checking my notes, for reference books, for clearing confusions. This is why sometimes we become victims of such allegations.

Christabel: When a student does well in exams and performs well in class, teachers usually pay more attention to them. It is quite natural. Why should there be such objections?

Habib: Sometimes, some books are so rare and some subjects are so complicated that we have no option but to take direct help from the teachers and go for personal discussion with them. This way some sort of interaction develops, but it does not mean that there should be any scope for misinterpretation.

Question: Were you determined to get a first class since first year and have you studied law only for getting first class marks?

Habib: Not really. When I was in first year, I used to hear that first class in Law Department is a myth. This made me work harder for getting a first class. In the course of time, it became a habit to go through more and more books and study regularly. I study law not only for first class, my motto is to be an academician in the legal field and through my research, to improvise our legal resources and constitutional practice.

Christabel: I keep on studying and end up getting a first class. I would love to teach in future. There is a misconception that all the students are going to fill their pockets in future through exploitation of clients. But it's not true. A lawyer is not a liar rather he is there to establish the truth. You can use your profession for serving the rule of law and democracy. Today, through Public Interest Litigation, Government is being compelled to comply with the Constitution and public purpose. It is the lawyers for whom this public interest is being protected. But for that, we need very good, talented law students who will be the upholders of the rule of law in future.

Taslima: I became determined to get first class especially in my 3rd year. I was really inspired by the students who got first class. The judiciary is now getting much more importance in our country. Lawyers are indispensable for the judiciary. Nowadays lawyers are also working very effectively with NGOs and making them a relevant factor in good governance and democracy.

Question: You people are well known for your results, and often juniors come to you for help - how do you deal with them?

Habib: I always help them to understand the issue in my own way.

Taslima: I am open to them. My third year's notes are now available to the junior batches. But I tell them not to follow my notes blindly.

Christabel: I always tell them to go for more than one book and to maintain their individuality.

Question: Apart from studying, what else do you do?

Taslima: I love to cook, to debate and to browse web pages relevant to my studies.

Christabel: I must say, Taslima is a prominent debater in our University. I myself also debate, and I also watch a lot of TV.

Habib: I read books on literature, sociology and economics. This also helps me in my regular studies.

Lastly I asked them to whom they are grateful for their great results. The answers I got from them in different languages all had the same content - God, Parents, relatives, friends and moreover teachers and staff of Law Department. To these three, their teachers are the best academicians in our country and their high quality has helped to groom their talents a lot.