Research Interests: Constitutional and Public Law, Democracy and Politics, International Labor Law, and Human Rights Law
Arafat Hosen Khan is a distinguished legal scholar, barrister, and advocate dedicated to justice, democracy, and human rights. Currently serving as a Visiting Senior Fellow at LSE Law School, London, UK, he brings over 16 years of expertise in constitutional and public law, international labor law, and governance. His career spans academia, legal practice, and policy advocacy, making him a highly respected voice in the field.
As a qualified English Barrister and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Arafat is also a Partner at Apex Court Chambers. Previously, he was the Chairman and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Law, North South University, Dhaka, where he played a pivotal role in legal education reform and research excellence. His academic journey includes being an O’Brien Fellow at the McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, underscoring his global recognition in legal academia.
Arafat has been instrumental in shaping governance and legal frameworks in Bangladesh. He has advised and collaborated with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), USAID, DFID, GIZ, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). His policy contributions include the Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme and the Activating Village Courts initiative, reflecting his commitment to legal empowerment and access to justice.
A strong advocate for human rights, Arafat has led public interest litigations addressing critical issues like extrajudicial killings, disability rights, and labor law reforms. His legal interventions have contributed to landmark judicial decisions, reinforcing constitutional protections and the rule of law in Bangladesh. He also served as a National Consultant for Bangladesh’s 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing his expertise in international human rights mechanisms.
Arafat is the author of The Constitution of Bangladesh: People, Politics, and Judicial Intervention (Routledge, 2022), a seminal work exploring the interplay between governance and constitutional law in Bangladesh. His research extends to legal pluralism, democracy, and labor relations, with numerous publications in international journals and policy platforms.
A Chevening Scholar and a Board of Trustees Member at the Institute of Inclusive Policy (IIP), Arafat remains deeply engaged in advancing progressive legal thought and policy reforms. Fluent in English and Bengali, he continues to shape legal discourse through his teaching, research, and advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on both national and international legal landscapes.