ALPH was formed in 1992 by lawyers and human rights activists in Bangladesh. Its aims are: to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms; to foster the growth of democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary; to organize conferences, seminars and workshop on these issues; to provide legal aid and assistance to the poor and underprivileged people; to take humanitarian action to better the lives of people who live below the poverty level; and to liaison with other organizations which share common purposes.