The Act prohibits agreements relating to production, supply, distribution, storage or acquisition of goods or services that cause or are likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in Bangladesh. This covers price fixing, limiting supply, market sharing and collusive tendering between competitors, and some vertical restrictions. It also prohibits abuse of a dominant position and combinations that harm competition. The Commission can investigate on its own initiative or following complaints. We explain how these rules apply to a client's specific market and business model, bearing in mind that practices accepted elsewhere may be treated differently here.

The Commission can order a party to stop the conduct, modify or terminate agreements and impose financial penalties, which for serious breaches can be calculated by reference to turnover. It can also impose penalties for failing to comply with its orders or for obstructing an investigation, and some failures can lead to criminal consequences. Beyond fines, findings damage reputation and can prompt scrutiny from other regulators and customers. We assess realistic exposure in each case and build a strategy that limits financial and reputational harm, including by showing cooperation and prompt remedial steps where appropriate.

Trade associations play an important role in Bangladesh, and many interact closely with the government on policy. However, discussions between competitors on prices, margins, supply volumes, customers or tender bids carry serious antitrust risk, even if presented as stabilising the market. Associations should have clear agendas, minutes, a competition law reminder at meetings and guidance on what members may share. We advise associations and their members on safe practices and attend meetings where sensitive topics, such as price spikes, are on the agenda. Minutes should record what was discussed, and members should leave if prices are raised.

The Competition Act 2012 requires approval for combinations, such as acquisitions, mergers and amalgamations, that are likely to have an adverse effect on competition, and the Commission has been developing rules and practice on notification. Whether a deal needs filing depends on its structure, the parties' presence in Bangladesh and current regulations. Global transactions with a Bangladesh nexus should be checked early. We assess the antitrust position, advise on whether and when to file, prepare submissions and coordinate timing with other jurisdictions. Parties should not integrate operations or exchange sensitive information before approval is obtained.

Take it seriously and respond on time. Read the request carefully to understand its scope and legal basis, preserve all relevant documents and electronic data, and stop any routine deletion. Avoid internal speculation by email. Appoint a small response team and involve counsel before submitting anything, because early answers are hard to correct later. Seek extensions if the deadline is unrealistic. We review the request, advise on confidentiality and privilege, prepare accurate responses and consider whether the facts support an early explanation that might narrow the investigation. Speed and accuracy both matter.

Resale price maintenance, where a supplier requires distributors to sell at a fixed or minimum price, can raise antitrust concerns under the Competition Act 2012, particularly where the supplier has a strong market position or the practice is widespread in the sector. Recommended prices and maximum prices are generally lower risk, provided they are genuinely optional. We review pricing policies and distributor agreements, and help suppliers achieve brand consistency through lower-risk methods such as quality standards and promotional support. Market share, distributor margins and actual price effects are usually central.

Yes. Orders of the Commission can be reviewed or appealed through the routes provided in the Act, and procedural fairness or excess of jurisdiction can be raised in writ proceedings before the High Court Division under Article 102 of the Constitution. Interim relief may be available while a challenge is pending. Deadlines are short, and the record created during the investigation often decides the outcome. We advise on the strongest grounds of challenge, prepare petitions and represent clients at hearings, working with economic experts where needed. Whether an order must be complied with meanwhile should be confirmed immediately.

The Competition Act 2012 focuses on effects on competition in Bangladesh, so foreign companies can be affected where their agreements, conduct or transactions have an impact on Bangladeshi markets, for example through exports to Bangladesh, local distributors or subsidiaries. Practical enforcement against an entity with no local presence may be harder, but local subsidiaries, distributors and executives can still face scrutiny. We advise foreign groups on how their global policies apply in Bangladesh and coordinate with counsel abroad on cross-border investigations and merger filings. Global antitrust policies may need local adaptation.