23/05/2026
Rahman’s Chambers is proud to share the active participation of our Head of Chambers, Barrister Mohammed Forrukh Rahman, at the landmark seminar titled “Strengthening Bangladesh’s Commercial Justice System: Commercial Courts Act 2026 and Reform of the Arbitration Act 2001”. Organized by the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) in support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on 21 May 2026.
Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of BIAC, delivered the welcome address highlighting the need for a modern commercial justice system. Introductory and special remarks were delivered by Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and H.E. Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh.
Chief Guest, Mr. Md. Asaduzzaman, MP, Honorable Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized the necessity of re-examining the newly passed Commercial Courts Act and reforming the Arbitration Act 2001. Madam Justice Fatema Anwar delivered the keynote address on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Barrister Sameer Sattar provided expert observations on the need for commercial courts to strengthen the business environment. He also moderated the first panel, “The Implementation and Practical Challenges of the Commercial Courts Act 2026,” featuring Mr. S. M. Arshadul Alam, Additional Secretary; Mr. Marcus Davies, Political Counsellor (Canada); and Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, Senior Advocate.
Reflecting our firm's core focus on alternative dispute resolution, the second panel addressed “Reforming the Arbitration Act 2001: The Enforcement.” Our Head of Chambers, Barrister Mohammed Forrukh Rahman, featured as a distinguished panelist in this vital session alongside Barrister Saqeb Mahbub and Barrister Margub Kabir. The discussion was expertly moderated by Barrister Syed Afzal Hasan Uddin.
Following the panels, Mr. Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque, Director General of BIDA, shared remarks from an investor’s perspective. At the closing session, Ms. Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor at UNDP Bangladesh, provided closing remarks.
Sincere thanks and appreciation to Team BIAC, as well as Team UNDP, for their hard work, dedication, and valuable support in making the initiative a success. Rahman's Chambers remains committed to supporting a robust and arbitration-friendly legal framework in Bangladesh.
UNDP, Bangladesh
Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre