Not entirely. Under Muslim personal law as applied in Bangladesh, a person can generally bequeath up to one third of the net estate by will to persons who are not heirs, and a bequest to an heir or beyond one third needs the consent of the other heirs after death. The remaining estate passes to heirs in fixed shares. Lifetime gifts by registered deed are treated differently and can be a lawful planning tool, provided the legal requirements for a valid gift are met. We explain these limits clearly and design plans that respect them while meeting the family's goals.

A foreign will may be formally valid, but its effect on Bangladeshi property depends on Bangladeshi law, including the personal law of the deceased. For a Muslim testator, a foreign will leaving the entire estate to one child or a spouse may be effective only within the one-third limit unless heirs consent. Practical recognition also requires probate or other formalities and certified, translated copies. We review foreign wills, advise whether a separate Bangladesh will is advisable, and coordinate drafting so that the documents work together within a coherent cross-border succession plan.

There is rarely a single answer. Bangladesh generally applies the deceased's personal law, determined by religion, to inheritance, while land is strongly connected to the law of the place where it lies. Other countries may apply the law of domicile, habitual residence or nationality, and some allow a choice of law in a will. The result can be that different assets in one estate pass under different laws. We analyse each asset and each relevant country, identify where the rules conflict, and advise on planning steps that reduce uncertainty for the family and the executors.

Non-resident heirs usually need proof of death and heirship, such as a death certificate and warish or succession certificate, together with identity documents and, for land, mutation in their names. Most act through a local representative under a power of attorney executed abroad before a Bangladesh mission or notary and processed according to Bangladeshi requirements. Banks and land offices may ask for additional documents. We prepare the documents, act on the heirs' behalf, deal with co-heirs and authorities, and keep heirs informed so that they do not need to travel unless their presence is essential.

It can, but foreign exchange controls apply. Remitting bank balances, sale proceeds of inherited land or other estate assets to non-resident heirs usually requires compliance with Bangladesh Bank rules and, in many cases, specific approval, supported by evidence of inheritance, tax compliance and the source of funds. Timing and documentation vary between cases. We advise on the approval route, prepare applications with the heirs' bank, and plan sales and transfers so that funds can be remitted lawfully as part of the cross-border succession process, without unnecessary delay or the risk of funds becoming trapped.

Not necessarily. Trusts, foundations, holding companies and nominee arrangements may change how assets are held, but Bangladeshi heirs may still challenge transfers that they argue defeat their rights, especially for property in Bangladesh or for Muslim families where the validity of lifetime transfers is scrutinised. Moving Bangladeshi assets offshore also requires foreign exchange approval. Structures should be used only where they are lawful and properly implemented. We assess whether a proposed structure is likely to be respected in Bangladesh and abroad, and coordinate with foreign advisers so that cross-border succession planning is defensible in every relevant country.

Shares form part of the estate and pass according to the applicable succession law, subject to the company's articles, any shareholder agreement and the Companies Act 1994. Transmission of shares requires documents proving heirship and registration by the company. Disputes often arise where heirs inherit fragmented minority stakes, directors die without succession arrangements, or transfer restrictions conflict with heirs' rights. We advise families on articles, shareholder agreements and governance arrangements that support orderly succession, and help heirs and companies complete transmission, valuation and any buy-out after a death, often as part of a wider cross-border succession.

Start with an accurate record of family members, assets and title documents, and correct any errors in land records, names or company registers while the owner is alive. Make clear, properly executed wills in each relevant country where appropriate, and consider lawful lifetime gifts, nominations and governance arrangements for family businesses. Explaining the plan to the family can also reduce later conflict. We prepare a coordinated plan, review it periodically as the family and the law change, and keep it consistent with foreign documents so that heirs are not left with competing claims or frozen assets.