Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) successfully conducted the Semi-Final Round of the 5th BIAC Inter-University International Arbitration Contest 2024 on June 18, 2025. Held virtually via the Zoom platform from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (BST), the session featured an intense and thought-provoking arbitration between Bhuiyan Academy, Bangladesh (Claimant) and Kathmandu University, School of Law, Nepal (Respondent). After a closely contested round, Kathmandu University emerged victorious, securing a place in the Final Round of the competition.
The Arbitral Tribunal for this session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Syeda Afroza Zerin, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Uttara University. She was joined on the tribunal by two distinguished members: Md. Hafizur Rahaman Khan, Barrister-at-Law, Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Head of Counsels Law Partners (CLP); and Shadman Mostafa MCIArb DDRS, Legal Advisor at Excursion & Resorts Bangladesh PLC, Accredited Mediator (UK and Singapore), and Associate Arbitrator and DDRS at ADR ODR International (UK).
Since 2020, BIAC has successfully hosted four international arbitration contests. These contests are designed to offer law students practical exposure to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through simulated arbitration scenarios. Participants gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills in arbitration, while contributing to BIACโs broader mission of promoting ADR as a viable and efficient tool for reducing the backlog of cases and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The session began with a Welcome Address by Mr. Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran, Senior Counsel at BIAC, who underscored the increasing relevance of ADR in the global legal landscape. He encouraged participants to make the most of this unique learning opportunity and to consider arbitration as a meaningful and impactful area of legal practice. The event was hosted by Md. Zainur Rahman William and Sanjida Sohana, Assistant Counsels at BIAC. Technical and logistical coordination was managed by Mr. Amit Das, Administrative & IT Officer from BIAC.
The 5th BIAC Inter-University International Arbitration Contest continues to inspire and empower the next generation of ADR professionals, reaffirming BIACโs dedication to cultivating a culture of arbitration across South Asia and beyond.