Mohannad Fakhruddin Bhuiyan
Bar Professional Training Course
(BPTC), 2014
Bangaladesh
The level of self-study resulted in what you might call a form of culture shock — in addition to that which arose from being on the course with people from so many different backgrounds and perspectives.”
I developed a strong interest in debating during my school years and realised I had a talent for constructing logical, persuasive arguments. Law seemed like the natural profession for me, and my father also hoped I would become a lawyer, particularly a barrister, a highly respected role in Bangladesh. I began studying for my LLB at the London College of Legal Studies (SOUTH), where I met my future wife, Maeesha, who was also studying law.
When the time came to pursue the Bar Professional Training Course, I applied to several UK institutions, including the University of the West of England. My interest in UWE grew after a presentation by James Lloyd, a university representative, who visited my law school in Bangladesh. Many of my tutors at LCLS were UWE alumni and spoke highly of the university. After a one-to-one interview with James Lloyd, I was ranked highly among applicants from my college, and my tutors strongly encouraged me to choose UWE. Fortunately, I was accepted and moved to the UK in 2013.
Travelling abroad alone for the first time was intimidating. I arrived in London with no accommodation arranged and constantly worried about where I would stay. After spending a night with a distant relative in London, I travelled to Bristol with a friend who was also joining UWE. Upon arriving on campus, I was fortunate to meet Barrister Mohshiur Rahman Auvee, UWE’s Country Manager for Bangladesh, who recognised me and kindly offered me a place to stay until I found accommodation. Shortly afterwards, I rented a small attic room in Easton, which I grew to love because of its natural light and view across Bristol.
The academic environment at UWE was very different from what I had experienced in Bangladesh. The workload was intense, and students were expected to complete substantialself-study before attending class. Initially, I found both the system and the teachers intimidating, but I soon adapted and came to admire many of them, including Maylene Jalleh, Jo Stringer, Liz Cunningham, Delyth James, and James Lloyd. One experience that stayed with me was missing a class because I had not prepared adequately. I felt so guilty afterwards that I made sure never to repeat the mistake, learning the importance of responsibility and preparation.
Living off campus allowed me to focus heavily on my studies, although I sometimes felt isolated from student life. Still, I enjoyed memorable social experiences, including nights out at Bristol clubs and year-end celebrations with classmates and teachers, something uncommon in Bangladesh, where relationships between students and teachers are generally more formal.
After completing the course in 2014, I returned to Bangladesh and began working immediately, later returning to the UK for my official Call to the Bar while my wife completed her BPTC. Although I missed my own graduation ceremony, UWE later allowed me to graduate alongside Maeesha, giving us a special memory together in Bristol.
Back in Bangladesh, I joined my former law school as a tutor while also working part-time in legal practice. Eventually, I transitioned fully into practice before joining a large company as in-house counsel in 2020.
