Yes. Civil suits can be brought against the government, but the Code of Civil Procedure generally requires a written notice to be served before the suit is filed, with a waiting period before proceedings begin, except where urgent relief is sought with the court's leave. The notice must be properly addressed and describe the claim and relief clearly. Defects can delay or defeat a claim. We prepare and serve these notices, use the waiting period to explore settlement, and advise whether a civil suit, arbitration or a writ petition is the more effective route in the circumstances.

A writ petition under Article 102 of the Constitution is appropriate where a public body has acted without lawful authority, in breach of procedure, unreasonably or in violation of fundamental rights, and where no equally effective alternative remedy exists. Purely contractual disputes with the government are often better pursued through suit or arbitration, although writs have been allowed where the state's action has a strong public law element. We assess maintainability carefully, because a dismissed writ costs time, and we combine the petition with interim relief where the client's operations are at immediate risk.

Start by looking at the contract and the payment process. Many delays arise from missing certifications, budget releases or approvals rather than outright refusal. We review the payment provisions, notices and correspondence, then escalate within the enterprise and the supervising ministry with a clear statement of the amount due and the contractual basis. If payment is still withheld, the contract's dispute resolution clause, often arbitration, determines the next step. Enforcement against state entities can be complex, so we consider recovery prospects early and look for negotiated solutions that the government side can actually approve.

Under the Invest Bangladesh Act 2026, the former Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and Public-Private Partnership Authority were merged into Invest Bangladesh, which began operating on 23 August 2026. Approvals, registrations and agreements issued by the predecessor bodies need to be reviewed against the transitional provisions to confirm their continuing effect and which office now administers them. BEPZA and the Hi-Tech Park Authority remain separate. We advise investors on these questions and on engaging with Invest Bangladesh and other government agencies to resolve any uncertainty. Early review avoids disputes later.

Possibly. Bangladesh has signed bilateral investment treaties with a number of countries, and many provide for international arbitration of disputes between an investor of one state and the other state. Whether a claim is available depends on the investor's nationality and structure, the definition of investment, the conduct complained of and any procedural preconditions such as notice and cooling-off periods. Treaty claims are a serious step with diplomatic and commercial consequences. We advise on treaty protection, structuring and early engagement with the government, working with international arbitration counsel where proceedings are contemplated.

The Code of Civil Procedure restricts suits against foreign states, generally requiring the consent of the government of Bangladesh before such a suit is filed, and customary international law on immunity also applies. Diplomatic missions and international organisations may have additional protections under treaties and legislation. Commercial claims against foreign state entities with separate legal personality may be treated differently. We advise claimants and foreign state entities on these immunity questions, on the consent process and on alternative routes such as negotiation, arbitration or proceedings in another jurisdiction where that is more realistic.

Certain amounts claimed by the government and public bodies, including some dues of state-owned banks and authorities, can be recovered through certificate proceedings under the Public Demands Recovery Act 1913. These proceedings allow recovery without an ordinary suit, but the person against whom the certificate is issued can object, and decisions can be challenged on appeal and, in some cases, by writ. The time allowed for objections or appeals is limited, so record the date of receipt. We advise businesses on objections and challenges, and public bodies on using the procedure correctly, so that recovery stands up to scrutiny.

Yes. We advise ministries, statutory authorities and state-owned enterprises on contracts, procurement, disputes, arbitration and public law, and we act for private investors, contractors, lenders and suppliers dealing with the state. Before accepting any instruction, we check carefully for conflicts. Acting on both sides gives us practical insight into how government decision-making works, which approvals are realistic and how disputes can be resolved in a way that both the public body and the private party can implement within their legal and budgetary constraints. That insight helps clients frame proposals a public body can realistically approve.