Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) is a multi-disciplinary academic institute, which promotes global peace and social justice through quality education, research, training and advocacy. CPJ is committed to identifying and promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions to a wide range of global concerns and issues, including fragility, conflict and violence. The centre was established in March 2017 and joined the impressive cluster of other institutes and centres of Brac University. Under the leadership of its Executive Director, Manzoor Hasan OBE the centre has already achieved vast research, training and advocacy experiences under the three thematic areas (1) Peace and Fragility (2) Social Justice, and (3) Open Society.

Since its inception, CPJ has developed working relationships with various academic institutions such as Georgetown University, Elon University, USA, Bard College, New York,  University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, Central European University, Austria, Peace Research Institute Oslo, Norway, National University of Singapore (NUS), and International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. CPJ has undertaken training, research and advocacy in response to the Rohingya crisis, together with promotion of paralegalism and civic engagement for youths.

CPJ has also engaged with various UN agencies (UNDP, UN WOMEN, IOM, UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF and UNOPS) and donors, such as, Open Society Foundation, The Asia Foundation, DFID, USAID and IDRC. CPJ is a founding member of the Asia Justice Coalition, which is chaired by Manzoor Hasan OBE. CPJ also established OSUN Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives in Bangladesh and is a member of the OSUN Hubs leadership team.

CPJ and UN Women promoted the establishment of five Women Peace Cafés in three public and two private universities in Bangladesh – Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh, University of Dhaka, Brac University and Asian University for Women in Chittagong. CPJ facilitated Bangladesh Peacebuilders’ Network which is a virtual learning and sharing platform for the young generation working to promote a just peace and inclusive society. 

In 2020, CPJ established a Refugee Studies Unit and established a ‘satellite’ office in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar to undertake research and other activities related to Rohingya and host communites. This facility is close to the camps, and serves as a workstation for CPJ’s researchers and trainers.  CPJ has developed partnership with community-based organisations, including educational institutions, in the camps and host community of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.