Usually, yes, although it depends heavily on the parties and the tribunal. A civil suit can take many years to reach judgment and appeal, while a well-run arbitration can produce an award far sooner. Delay in arbitration typically comes from disputes over appointing arbitrators, repeated adjournments and court applications by a reluctant party. We reduce that risk by agreeing a firm procedural timetable early, using institutional rules where helpful, and applying to the court promptly when the other side obstructs. We do not promise fixed timelines, because every case and tribunal is different. A realistic plan helps.

Each route for arbitration in Bangladesh has advantages. BIAC offers administered arbitration in Dhaka with set rules and a fee schedule, which can suit mid-sized commercial disputes. Ad hoc arbitration gives flexibility but depends on cooperation and good drafting. International institutions such as the ICC or SIAC bring global standing and scrutiny, often at higher cost, and can still be used with a Dhaka seat. The right choice depends on the value of the contract, the other party's assets and location, the likely evidence and your appetite for cost. We advise on that balance before you sign.

Yes. Where a party sues in court on a matter covered by a valid arbitration agreement, the other party can apply for the court proceedings to be stayed and the dispute referred to arbitration. The application should be made promptly and before taking steps that suggest acceptance of the court's jurisdiction. Courts examine whether the agreement exists, is valid and covers the dispute. We act quickly when a suit is served, so that a client's right to arbitration in Bangladesh is preserved and the case is not drawn into years of litigation. Delay weakens a stay application.

The Arbitration Act allows a party to apply to the court for interim measures, and the tribunal itself can also order interim measures once constituted. Relief can include orders preserving assets or the subject matter of the dispute, securing amounts in dispute, preventing the transfer of property and protecting evidence. Courts expect a clear case, urgency and an undertaking where appropriate. The court's power is also available in support of some arbitrations seated abroad. We prepare applications with full documents so they can be heard urgently and survive a challenge. Speed is often decisive.

The grounds are limited and broadly follow the Model Law. They include incapacity of a party, an invalid arbitration agreement, lack of proper notice or inability to present a case, an award beyond the scope of the submission, improper composition of the tribunal or procedure, non-arbitrability, conflict with public policy, and fraud or corruption affecting the award. A court does not rehear the merits. The application must be filed within a short statutory deadline, so award debtors and creditors should obtain advice as soon as the award is received. Strict timing applies. The window is short.

A domestic award that is not set aside can be enforced in the same way as a court decree. A foreign award from a New York Convention country can be recognised and enforced under the foreign award provisions of the Arbitration Act, subject to the limited grounds for refusal. In both cases, enforcement means identifying assets and obtaining attachment and sale orders. Award debtors often raise technical objections, and state-linked debtors may raise particular issues. We plan the enforcement route from the start of the arbitration, not after the award is made. Asset tracing starts early.

Costs include arbitrators' fees, any institutional fees, counsel fees, experts, hearing venues and translation. BIAC publishes a fee schedule, while fees in ad hoc arbitration are agreed with the tribunal and can vary widely. Tribunals may order the losing party to pay some or all of the winner's costs, subject to the agreement and the rules. We give clients a phased budget at the outset and update it as the case develops. We can also discuss alternative fee structures and, where available, third-party funding for suitable claims. Costs stay transparent. Funding options vary by case.

Yes, where the contract contains an arbitration agreement and the matter is arbitrable. Many public procurement, power, infrastructure and supply contracts with state entities include arbitration clauses, sometimes with special approval requirements or dispute boards before arbitration. These cases raise particular questions about authority to sign, sovereign or public interest defences, and enforcement against public assets. We advise private parties and public bodies on these issues and help design dispute procedures that the courts will respect when the award is challenged or enforced. Public assets need care. Approval requirements must be checked at signing.