DHAKA, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, convened a seminar today in Chattogram to chart the way forward for operationalising specialised commercial courts, a significant next step in the country’s justice reform agenda.

The seminar followed a series of consultation meetings with lawyers and business stakeholders, bringing together senior judges, legal experts, economists, government officials, diplomats, and development partners for focused discussions on developing a roadmap for the establishment of specialised commercial courts, one of the next major priorities of the Supreme Court’s Judicial Roadmap. 

These courts are expected to address chronic bottlenecks in business disputes and stalled commercial cases that have long hindered investor confidence and economic growth, paving the way for LDC graduation, said an UNDP press release.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Justice Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed highlighted that the establishment of commercial courts is central to restoring public trust and reducing the economic cost of delays. 

He noted, “Establishing commercial courts, especially in key centres like Chattogram, decentralises justice delivery and signals to the world that Bangladesh is open for business. By institutionalising transparency and credibility, we reduce the cost of doing business, unlock capital, and propel our nation towards prosperity. I call on the legal fraternity to operationalise this law with integrity, discipline, and efficiency.”

Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada, shared, “Establishing Bangladesh’s commercial courts are an essential forward-looking reform that will serve to build a better future for all Bangladeshis through its implementation. These courts will build investor confidence, ensure fairness in commerce, deepen trust in public institutions, and, by extension, foster job growth.”

He further added, “Canada is proud to stand with Bangladesh in this effort that advances the rule of law while also creating a foundation for deepening our bilateral ties for mutual prosperity in future.”

Reflecting the European Union’s perspective, Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, stated, “Timely, transparent dispute resolution is essential for investor confidence and sustainable growth. The operationalisation of commercial courts marks a bold step from aspiration to action, strengthening judicial independence and trust in institutions. The European Union is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s justice reforms, which will empower businesses and unlock new opportunities for economic development, as the country moves towards LDC graduation.”

Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden, said, “Free, transparent and reliable dispute resolution will boost international investor confidence, positioning Bangladesh as a trusted and competitive market. Sweden stands ready to continue this partnership, turning commitment into action and creating a justice system that builds trust, empowers businesses, and unlocks investment for sustainable economic growth.”

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the transformative potential of commercial courts. “Commercial courts will help strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation as a secure and reliable destination for both domestic and foreign investors.” He further added that this reform is transformative, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and boosting competitiveness.

Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, emphasised, “Judicial independence is a core value for Australia, and we commend Bangladesh’s progress in justice reform. The operationalisation of commercial courts is a powerful step, reducing delays and boosting investor confidence. Australia is proud to support these reforms and looks forward to continued collaboration.”

Technical presentations provided an overview of the Commercial Courts Ordinance 2025, the economic implications of improved commercial dispute management, and global examples of specialised courts that have strengthened business environments.

Panels of experts, including Barrister Margub Kabir, Barrister Sameer Sattar, Deputy Secretary, UNDP Country Economic Advisor Mr Owais Parray, and UNDP Digitalisation Specialist Chris Decker, explored the challenges of chronic backlogs, fragmented legal frameworks, access barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and infrastructure needs. The event was anchored by UNDP Senior Advisor Romana Schweiger.

Closing the seminar, Judge Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee, Registrar General of the Supreme Court, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to operationalising commercial courts as a national priority. The operationalisation of commercial courts marks a critical step in aligning the judiciary with Bangladesh’s economic ambitions.