Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), in support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, organized a seminar titled โStrengthening Bangladeshโs Commercial Justice System: Commercial Courts Act 2026 and Reform of the Arbitration Act 2001โ at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on 21 May, 2026.
The programme commenced with the registration of participants followed by Tilawat-e-Qurโan. Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of BIAC, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the need for a modern, efficient and credible commercial justice system in Bangladesh. The seminar also featured remarks from Mr. H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh, who highlighted the importance of strong commercial justice systems in fostering international business partnerships and economic cooperation.
Chief Guest, Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman, MP, Honorable Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs said “we want to re-examine it and introduce certain amendments to this law,” so that justice can be served in the finest and swiftest manner. Though the Commercial Court Act was passed in parliament during the last session, the law minister said a re-examination of the law was necessary, as many issues had not been properly addressed. He also emphasized on the need of reform on the Arbitration Act 2001.
Madam Justice Fatema Anwar, Hon’ble Judge, High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh delivered the keynote address on commercial litigation and arbitration. She discussed the evolving nature of commercial disputes and emphasized the need for judicial efficiency, legal certainty, and professional expertise in resolving complex commercial matters.
Barrister Sameer Sattar later delivered expert observations on the need for commercial courts to strengthen the business environment in Bangladesh. He noted that specialized commercial courts could reduce litigation delays and provide greater certainty to businesses operating in the country.
The first panel discussion addressed โThe Implementation and Practical Challenges of the Commercial Courts Act 2026.โ The session included perspectives from government, international partners, and legal practitioners. Speakers included Mr. S. M. Arshadul Alam, Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Mr. Marcus Davies, Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh; and Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The session was moderated by Barrister Sameer Sattar, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The second panel discussion focused on โReforming the Arbitration Act 2001: The Enforcement.โ The session featured distinguished legal practitioners including Barrister Saqeb Mahbub, Barrister Mohammed Forrukh Rahman, and Barrister Margub Kabir, all Advocates of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The discussion was moderated by Barrister Syed Afzal Hasan Uddin, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Following the panel discussions, Mr. Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque, Director General of Research and Policy at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), shared remarks from an investorโs perspective. He underscored the importance of efficient commercial courts and arbitration systems in creating a stable and predictable investment climate.
After the prayer break, Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, delivered introductory remarks emphasizing the significance of rule of law and access to justice in achieving sustainable economic development. He reaffirmed UNDPโs commitment to supporting institutional and legal reforms that contribute to economic growth, transparency, and investor confidence.
At the closing session, BIAC Chief Executive Officer Mr. K A M Majedur Rahman delivered the vote of thanks and closing remarks, expressing appreciation to all distinguished guests, speakers, panelists, development partners, and participants for their valuable contributions. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor for Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights at UNDP Bangladesh, followed by dinner and networking among participants.
Sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor for Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights at UNDP Bangladesh Ms. Louise Barber, Head of Office, United Nations Bangladesh; Mr. Anowarul Haq; Mr. Owais Parray, Country Economic Advisor; Mr. Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications; Mr. Tarek Rahman; Mr. Kirtijai Pahari; Mr. SM Siam, Project Analyst (Operations); Mr. Jin Choi, Rule of Law Specialist; and Ms. Hosneara Yesmin Eti, Communications Specialist of UNDP Bangladesh, as well as Mr. K A M Majedur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran, Senior Counsel; Ms. Sanjida Sohana, Assistant Counsel; Mr. Md Ashiqur Rahman, Manager (Finance & Accounts); Mr. Amit Das, IT & Administrative Officer of the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), for their hard work, dedication, and valuable support in making the initiative a success.
The seminar marked an important step toward fostering dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, legal professionals, development partners, and the private sector to advance Bangladeshโs commercial justice system and support the countryโs continued economic progress.