The Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) successfully concluded its three-day Arbitration Tribunal Secretary Training Programme held from September 27 to 29, 2025, at the BIAC Auditorium in Dhaka. With a carefully curated lineup of sessions conducted by some of the most respected names in the legal and arbitration community, the event provided both foundational knowledge and practical tools to help participants become efficient tribunal secretaries.
The programme began on Day 1 with two foundational sessions. The first session was conducted by Mr. Zeeshan Mohsen, Barrister-at-Law (Inner Temple) and Partner at AAZ & Partners, who discussed the basic principles of arbitration, the role and responsibilities of tribunal secretaries, and the ethical frameworks that guide their conduct. This session provided participants with a strong starting point and a clear understanding of the importance of ethical standards in arbitration.
The second session of Day 1 was led by Mr. Mohammed Forrukh Rahman, Advocate at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Head of Chambers at Rahman’s Chambers. He focused on institutional practices and procedural foundations in arbitration. His discussion emphasized how tribunal secretaries play a critical role in ensuring that arbitration proceedings adhere to institutional rules and established procedural norms.
On Day 2, the training shifted toward more practical and procedural matters. The third session, conducted by Mr. Ahmad Naquib Karim, Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn) and Head of Chambers at Karim & Karim, addressed case management, confidentiality, and procedural skills. Mr. Karim, drawing from his own experience as an Advocate at the Appellate Division, guided participants on maintaining discretion and handling sensitive documents in arbitration matters.
The fourth session featured Mr. Ahnaf Chowdhury, Barrister-at-Law and Partner at Forum Law Partners, who shared insights on drafting and communication skills. His session helped participants understand the nuances of legal drafting in arbitration and the importance of clear, concise, and professional communication both with the tribunal and among the parties involved.
Day 3 opened with a session on hearing management and procedural efficiency, led by Mr. Md. Monzur Rabbi, Senior Partner at Rahman & Rabbi Legal and a doctoral researcher in law at the University of Oxford. With his deep academic and professional experience, Mr. Rabbi explained how tribunal secretaries can assist tribunals in managing hearings smoothly and ensuring procedural discipline throughout arbitration proceedings.
The final training session was conducted by Mr. A.F.M. Abdur Rahman J., Former Justice of the High Court Division and Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. His session focused on post-hearing support and award preparation. He discussed in detail how tribunal secretaries contribute to drafting arbitral awards, organizing hearing records, and ensuring the timely delivery of decisions, which are vital to the credibility and efficiency of arbitration.
Following the last session, a certificate awarding ceremony was held to recognize the successful completion of the programme. Mr. A.F.M. Abdur Rahman J. and the CEO of BIAC, Mr. K A M Majedur Rahman jointly presented certificates to all participants. In his concluding remarks, the BIAC CEO appreciated the enthusiasm of the participants and stressed the growing need for trained tribunal secretaries in Bangladesh’s arbitration landscape.
The programme was coordinated and managed by BIAC Secretariat members, including Senior Counsel Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran and Assistant Counsels Sanjida Sohana and Md. Zainur Rahman William. IT related matter was managed by IT and Administrative Officer, Amit Das.
The Arbitration Tribunal Secretary Training Programme 2025 marks yet another successful initiative by BIAC in building institutional capacity and fostering professional growth in the field of arbitration. Participants left the programme not only with knowledge and certification but also with a sense of purpose and preparedness to take on meaningful roles in alternative dispute resolution.