Why I chose to undertake my PhD in the School of law
Study Period: 26/10/20 - 17/12/24
PhD Supervisors:
- Dr M. Brown (Primary Supervisor)
- Dr A. Garg (Second Supervisor)
Title of your PhD:
An examination of the legacy of British colonial rule upon Bangladeshi criminal lawmaking in comparison to other Commonwealth States.
What is the topic of your PhD?
My research will principally investigate the postcolonial penal reform trends in Bangladesh while incidentally tracing the evolution of the criminal justice system in the then colonised India. While digitisation, innovation and timely disposal are expected key strategies in justice institutions, Bangladesh is still mired in web of substantive laws and manual procedural constraints that were initiated during the British era (1765-1947). The shadow of colonial hangover continues to haunt the justice institutions in a post-colonial organogram as the sporadic postcolonial revisions have turned out to be either inappropriate or inadequate. Although colonialism formally ended long ago, the shadow of colonialism and its illiberal tools have frequently been used. Consequently, complex arrangements of law, justice and society have emerged in an independent country. Therefore, this research will explore the challenges of postcolonial penal laws in a comparative perspective.
Why did you choose the School of Law for your doctoral studies?
Being a passionate practitioner and researcher on criminal justice issues, I have been acquainted with the rich scholarships of this highly prestigious Law School. Finding a suitable supervisor in postcolonial penal laws has obviously been a major reason for choosing the School of Law. The Centre for Criminological Research (CCR), the Sheffield Institute for Corporate and Commercial Law (SICCL) and the Sheffield Centre for International and European Law (SCIEL) also offer intellectually-stimulating seminars and lectures. More so, the serene Red-brick school building alongside its excellent research facilities further increased the attraction to me.
What have you valued the most about your experience as a PhD student?
All the academic staff members and the supporting staff have been really supportive towards my concerns and expectations. In particular, the Director of PGR and my supervisors have made my PhD journey feel smooth. Furthermore, work experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and an Editorial Assistantship with the International Review of Victimology has been very rewarding. Most importantly, I am grateful to the School for offering me the opportunity to undertake my PhD through a Scholarship for my whole period of my study.
What is next for you after the PhD?
After completing my PhD, I plan to return home with an enhanced knowledge and skill set that I'd like to dedicate for the development of the criminal justice system in Bangladesh. While continuing my research endeavours, I've also a plan to author a couple of books on judiciary, law and sentencing.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about completing a PhD in the School of Law?
Sheffield School of Law with its superb institutional facilities, world-renowned experts and a pool of professional supporting staff is a much-sought after Law School that can better equip you for your bright career, be it in academia, policy making or INGOs. Apart from rigorous academic engagements, the University of Sheffield offers lots of opportunities that can inject intellectual rigour, diversity and pluralism in your mindset. Most importantly, a plethora of green parks and smiling nods with 'hello, my love' from even a stranger in Sheffield will make you 'feel at home'!