LJF Constitution

The LJF Constitution is the organization’s binding framework for governance, accountability, and transparency. It sets out our objectives, membership criteria, leadership structures, election and meeting procedures, financial stewardship, and ethical commitments.

Constitution of the Law & Justice Foundation (LJF)

Preamble

We, the members of the Law & Justice Foundation (LJF), established and registered in Bangladesh in 2011, guided by the slogan “Made by the people, for the people,” and committed to promoting justice, equality, and human rights, adopt this Constitution to govern the Foundation in a transparent, accountable, and professional manner. This Constitution shall serve as the supreme governing document of the Foundation.

Article I – Name & Legal Status

  1. The name of the organization shall be Law & Justice Foundation (LJF).

  2. LJF is a non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-religious organization.

  3. The Foundation is registered under the laws of Bangladesh and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2022.

  4. The Foundation shall have the legal authority to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, and to enter into contracts, agreements, and partnerships in its own name.

Article II – Objectives

The objectives of the Foundation shall include, but not be limited to:

  1. Promoting justice, equality, and human rights nationally and internationally.

  2. Providing legal aid, research, advocacy, and capacity-building programs.

  3. Enhancing access to justice for marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged groups.

  4. Conducting research, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns to strengthen governance and accountability.

  5. Collaborating with governmental bodies, civil society, and international organizations to contribute to sustainable development.

  6. Engaging in educational, training, and outreach activities to empower communities and individuals.

Article III – Mission & Vision

  • Mission: To uphold justice, equality, and human rights through advocacy, legal support, research, and community empowerment.

  • Vision: To build a just and equitable society where every individual enjoys equal rights, dignity, and access to justice, contributing to sustainable peace and development.

Article IV – Membership

  1. Eligibility: Membership is open to individuals of good standing who support the mission, objectives, and values of the Foundation.

  2. Categories of Membership:

    • Individual Member

    • Organisational Member

    • Life Member

    • Honorary Member

  3. Rights of Members:

    • Attend and vote in General Meetings

    • Elect and be elected to the Executive Committee

    • Participate in committees and programs

  4. Duties of Members:

    • Uphold the Constitution and values of LJF

    • Attend meetings regularly

    • Pay membership fees (if applicable)

    • Contribute actively to the objectives of the Foundation

  5. Termination of Membership: Membership may be terminated due to:

    • Resignation submitted in writing

    • Misconduct or violation of Constitution

    • Non-payment of dues for a period of 12 months

Article V – Governance Structure

Section 1: Executive Committee (EC)

  1. The Executive Committee is the highest decision-making body of the Foundation.

  2. The EC shall consist of:

    • Chairman

    • Vice Chairman

    • General Secretary

    • Joint Secretary

    • Treasurer

    • Executive Members (minimum three, maximum six)

  3. The first Executive Committee was formed in 2011 under the leadership of Justice A.K. Badrul Huq as Chairman, with nine distinguished members.

  4. Term of Office: Three (3) years, eligible for re-election for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Section 2: Powers and Responsibilities of EC

  1. Approve strategic plans, annual budgets, and policies.

  2. Ensure compliance with national laws, regulations, and international obligations.

  3. Appoint and supervise the Executive Director/Secretary-General.

  4. Establish sub-committees for specific programs, finance, governance, and human rights initiatives.

  5. Represent the Foundation at national and international forums.

  6. Review and approve annual reports, audits, and financial statements.

Article VI – Offices of the EC

Office Responsibilities
Chairman Preside over meetings, strategic leadership, represent LJF nationally/internationally
Vice Chairman Assist Chairman, act in Chairman’s absence
General Secretary Oversee day-to-day administration, maintain records, coordinate programs
Joint Secretary Support General Secretary, manage internal communications
Treasurer Manage finances, ensure transparency, coordinate audits
Executive Members Advise EC, support projects, represent constituencies

Article VII – Committees

Standing Committees:

  1. Finance & Audit Committee – oversee financial compliance, annual audit, and donor reporting.

  2. Program & Research Committee – develop and monitor programs, research studies, and advocacy projects.

  3. Human Rights & Legal Aid Committee – manage legal aid initiatives, human rights monitoring, and policy advocacy.

  4. Membership & Ethics Committee – manage membership records, recruitment, and disciplinary issues.

Ad Hoc Committees:

  • Formed by EC for specific tasks, with a defined time frame.

Article VIII – Meetings

  1. General Meeting (GM):

    • Held at least once a year.

    • Quorum: One-third of total members.

    • Decisions by simple majority, except amendments (Article IX).

  2. Executive Committee Meetings:

    • Held at least quarterly.

    • Quorum: Two-thirds of EC members.

    • Decisions by simple majority; Chairman’s vote is final in case of tie.

  3. Special Meetings:

    • Can be called by EC or at least one-third of members for urgent matters.

Article IX – Financial Management

  1. The Foundation shall maintain proper books of accounts, audited annually by a certified auditor.

  2. EC shall approve annual budgets and financial statements.

  3. All funds shall be used solely for the Foundation’s objectives.

  4. Transparency: Donor reports and annual accounts shall be publicly available.

Article X – Amendments

  1. Amendments may be proposed by EC or one-third of members.

  2. Approval requires two-thirds majority in the General Meeting.

Article XI – Dissolution

  1. Dissolution requires three-fourths majority of the General Meeting.

  2. Upon dissolution, assets shall be transferred to an organization with similar objectives, as decided by the General Meeting.

  3. No member shall personally benefit from the assets.

Article XII – Code of Conduct & Ethics

  1. All members, staff, and volunteers shall:

    • Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency

    • Avoid conflicts of interest

    • Respect human rights and dignity of all individuals

  2. Violations may result in disciplinary action or termination of membership, as decided by the Ethics Committee.

Article XIII – Miscellaneous Provisions

  1. LJF may establish regional chapters to extend its programs nationwide.

  2. LJF may enter into MOUs, partnerships, or collaborations consistent with its objectives.

  3. All matters not explicitly covered in this Constitution shall be resolved by EC in consultation with the General Meeting.