News Flash
DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today called upon the people concerned to make the law practical so that justice is neither hurried nor delayed.
“Let the law be practical so that the intention of the framers of the law can be achieved in such a manner where justice is neither hurried nor buried and justice is not delayed or denied,” he said.
The minister made the observation while addressing a seminar organised by Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) as the chief guest. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the seminar was held at a city hotel this afternoon.
The minister noted that the existing arbitration system under the Arbitration Act, 2001, faced limitations such as high arbitrator fees, long-pending files, and the frustrating ability to challenge interim orders in the High Court.
“We want to dispose of these things in the shortest possible time,” he added.
Md Asaduzzaman identified four main types of harassment for foreign investors that need to be addressed: investment repatriation, tax and revenue issues, labour issues, and criminal litigations.
“A foreign investor wants his investment to be safe. He wants to be free from harassment. He wants justice from the country where he is investing,” he stated.
Speaking about the number of commercial courts in the country, the law minister said, “The question is, do we need a commercial court in every district? Do foreign investors come and invest in every district of Bangladesh? My humble submission is no.”
Titled “Strengthening Bangladesh's Commercial Justice System: Commercial Courts Act 2026 and Reform of the Arbitration Act 2001”, the seminar was chaired by BIAC Chairman Mahbubur Rahman.
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Barrister Sameer Sattar, among others, addressed the programme.
High Court Division Justice Fatema Anwar presented the keynote address on commercial litigation and arbitration at the seminar.
Two panel discussions were also held on the sidelines of the seminar.
