Often you can, if your courts have jurisdiction under their own rules, for example because of a jurisdiction clause or because the contract was performed there. The harder question is what happens next. A foreign judgment must still be recognised or enforced in Bangladesh if the defendant's assets are here, and that may involve a new suit and arguments about jurisdiction, natural justice or public policy. Sometimes transnational litigation directly in Bangladesh, or arbitration, is more efficient. We compare the routes with your foreign lawyers, looking at speed, cost, available relief and where recovery can realistically be made.

Under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, a foreign judgment is generally conclusive on the matters it decides, unless an exception applies, such as lack of jurisdiction, failure to hear the case on its merits, breach of natural justice, fraud, or a claim founded on a breach of Bangladeshi law. Decrees from certain notified reciprocating territories may be executed directly, as if they were local decrees. For other countries, the usual route is a suit on the judgment. We confirm the current position for the relevant country, prepare certified documents and plan execution against identified assets so recovery follows quickly.

Bangladeshi courts treat foreign law as a question of fact, so it must be pleaded and proved, usually through the evidence of a suitably qualified expert in that law, supported by copies of the relevant statutes and decisions. If foreign law is not proved, the court may apply Bangladeshi law instead, which can change the outcome. The expert's report should address the specific issues in dispute, not general principles. We identify suitable experts through our network of counsel abroad, help frame the questions, and prepare the evidence so that it is persuasive, consistent and properly admitted at trial.

Act quickly. Depending on the forum, you may be able to challenge jurisdiction, seek a stay in favour of another court or an arbitration, or bring your own claim in a more appropriate place. Taking a step in the foreign case without expressly reserving your position can sometimes be treated as accepting jurisdiction. Parallel transnational litigation in Bangladesh may also be possible, but they can lead to inconsistent judgments and extra cost. We work with local counsel in the foreign forum to agree a coordinated strategy, protect time limits and avoid waiving objections that could be important later.

Bangladesh courts can grant temporary injunctions and order attachment before judgment where a claimant shows a strong case and a real risk that the defendant will remove or dispose of property to defeat a decree. Relief in support of foreign proceedings is more limited and depends on the facts and the available basis of jurisdiction. Bank accounts, land, shares, vehicles and receivables in Bangladesh may all be relevant. These applications need clear evidence and must be pursued promptly. We assess whether local relief is realistic, and coordinate with foreign counsel on freezing orders abroad where assets are held elsewhere.

Timing varies widely. A focused commercial claim may move faster under the Commercial Courts Act 2026 framework, while ordinary civil suits, appeals and revision applications can take considerably longer, particularly where interim orders are contested. Service abroad, translation and the taking of evidence overseas add time. Settlement can occur at any stage, and mandatory mediation may apply to some disputes before filing. We give an honest assessment of likely timing at the outset, explain the factors that can accelerate or delay a case, and update clients as the matter develops rather than offering guarantees about outcome or timing.

Usually yes, for most of the case. A properly executed and authenticated power of attorney allows a representative to act on your behalf, and we can take instructions, review documents and report by video call and email. Some steps may require personal evidence, which can sometimes be arranged by commission or with court permission. Original documents may need to be notarised and legalised abroad before they are used. In transnational litigation, we explain the formalities for the country where you live, so that papers are accepted first time and the case is not delayed by preventable defects.

A Bangladeshi court has power to order a plaintiff to provide security for the defendant's costs in certain circumstances, and residence outside Bangladesh with no assets here can be a relevant factor. Whether an order is made depends on the facts and the court's discretion. Defendants sometimes apply for security as a tactical step to delay a claim. We advise foreign claimants on how to reduce the risk, for example by showing assets or offering a reasonable undertaking, and advise defendants on when an application is justified. Costs awards in Bangladesh are typically modest compared with some foreign courts.