From commitment to Geneva: Nafisa’s rise

For Nafisa Tabassum (Alumni, SoL), law has been driven by a commitment to human rights. That commitment has now taken her to the prestigious Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, where she has received a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

Receiving the offer was overwhelming; even after gaining acceptances from the University of Warwick and Lund University, funding concerns remained. “I was becoming more anxious each day,” she recalls. “But when I received the email from the Geneva Academy, everything changed. I was thrilled and overjoyed.” Coming from a middle-class family, pursuing higher education abroad was not an option for her without financial assistance. The scholarship, which included tuition and living costs, became the result of long preparation and struggle.

While studying law at BracU, Nafisa discovered career paths beyond the traditional courtroom setting. Inspired by alumni and faculty, she actively engaged in research and leadership. She also served as the Secretary of the Moot Court Society.

Her three years at the Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) influenced her interests, especially in refugee studies. As part of the core team preparing a model refugee law for Bangladesh, she gained first-hand experience of the intersection between law and lived realities. The effort was rewarding, as it allowed her to apply theory in practice. 

Nafisa recalls her supervisor’s advice: “Speak truth to power” as she reflects on her journey. She is determined to advance transitional justice, and after working across districts and researching Rohingya refugees, she continues to serve Bangladesh. Her message to students is simple yet powerful:

“Persistence is the key to success.”