Yes. The Companies Act 1994 allows shareholders holding the required proportion of the paid-up capital carrying voting rights to requisition an extraordinary general meeting by a written requisition stating its objects. If the directors do not call the meeting within the time allowed, the requisitionists may convene it themselves, and the court can also order a meeting in some circumstances. The articles may contain additional procedural rules. We advise requisitionists on preparing a valid requisition and boards on checking validity and responding properly, since a defective process can lead to the meeting being challenged later.

BSEC rules require disclosure when a person's shareholding in a listed company crosses specified thresholds, and further disclosure as holdings change. Acquisitions by sponsors and directors carry their own disclosure and approval requirements, and persons acting in concert may be treated together. Crossing higher thresholds can trigger an obligation to make an open offer to other shareholders. Failure to disclose properly can lead to penalties and to challenges against the acquisition. We advise investors on building positions lawfully and boards on monitoring the register and responding when undisclosed stake-building is suspected in a shareholder activism situation.

Only within limits. Directors must act in good faith in the interests of the company, use their powers for proper purposes and treat shareholders fairly, and BSEC rules restrict actions that would frustrate an offer once it is in prospect. Issuing shares to a friendly party, selling key assets or changing the articles to block a bidder may be challenged as improper. Legitimate responses include communicating the board's view, seeking a better offer, engaging with major shareholders and relying on existing lawful contractual protections. We advise boards on what they can do and how to document their reasons.

Shareholders can generally remove directors by resolution at a general meeting, subject to the Companies Act 1994, the articles of association and, for listed companies, BSEC requirements on board composition and independent directors. Notice and procedural requirements must be followed carefully, and a director facing removal may be entitled to make representations. In banks and other regulated financial institutions, the sector regulator also has a role in the appointment and removal of directors. We advise shareholders seeking change and boards responding to such proposals, focusing on lawful process and the risk of later challenge. Shareholder activism often focuses on this.

A shareholder who considers that the company's affairs are being conducted in a manner oppressive to them or prejudicial to their interests may apply to the High Court Division, subject to qualifying conditions in the Companies Act 1994. The court has wide powers, including regulating the company's affairs, setting aside transactions and ordering the purchase of shares. Related remedies include challenges to the validity of meetings, rectification of the register and claims against directors for breach of duty. We assess the evidence and the client's objectives, since negotiated buy-outs often deliver more than a long contested proceeding.

The Competition Act 2012 contains provisions on combinations, including acquisitions of shares or control, which may require consideration by the Bangladesh Competition Commission where a transaction could substantially reduce competition. The practical operation of merger review has been developing, so acquirers should check the current rules and any regulations in force when planning a transaction. Sector regulators, such as Bangladesh Bank for banks or the insurance regulator for insurers, may also need to approve a change of control. We map competition and sector approvals early so they do not delay completion of the transaction.

Family company disputes often begin with requests for information, dividends or board representation and can quickly escalate into litigation that damages the business and family relationships. The first step is to understand the legal rights under the articles, any shareholder or family agreement and the Companies Act 1994, and to respond carefully and consistently. Mediation, independent valuation and structured buy-outs frequently provide better outcomes than court proceedings. We advise family boards and individual shareholders on their rights, negotiation strategy and, where needed, the litigation options before the High Court Division. Shareholder activism within families needs a careful, patient approach.

There is no single deadline, but statutory time limits apply to requisitioned meetings, notices and certain disclosures, and listed companies have continuous disclosure obligations to BSEC and the exchanges. A board that delays or responds inconsistently risks losing credibility with investors and facing regulatory or legal challenges. We recommend forming a small response team, preserving documents, taking legal advice on the requisition or proposal and agreeing a communication plan within days, not weeks. Early, measured engagement often prevents a campaign from becoming a public contest or a court case. Shareholder activism rarely improves with silence or delay.