It varies widely, and no lawyer can promise a date. Ordinary civil suits in Bangladesh have historically taken years to reach final judgment, and appeals add further time. The Commercial Courts Act 2026 aims to speed up commercial cases through dedicated courts and closer case management, but its practical effect is still developing. Interim relief can be obtained much faster, sometimes within days, and many cases settle once an injunction or attachment is in place. We give an honest assessment of likely timing for each commercial litigation matter, taking account of the forum, the opponent and the evidence available.

The Act creates a specialised framework for commercial disputes, separate from the general civil courts, with procedures designed to reduce delay. Businesses should expect greater emphasis on early disclosure of documents, case management and time limits, which rewards parties who prepare their evidence before filing. Which disputes fall within the new courts, and how transitional cases are handled, depends on the Act's definitions and on implementation in each district. We review each claim against the current rules to decide where it should be filed and how it should be prepared.

Yes, in appropriate cases. The court can order attachment before judgment where a defendant, with intent to obstruct execution of a decree, is about to dispose of or remove property from the court's jurisdiction. Temporary injunctions can also restrain transfers. The applicant must usually show a strong prima facie case, evidence of the risk and that the balance of convenience favours relief. Courts take these orders seriously and expect frank disclosure. We prepare such applications in commercial litigation quickly and with the evidence needed for the order to be granted and maintained.

For some disputes it now is. The Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act 2026 introduces mandatory pre-case mediation for certain categories of dispute, rolled out district by district, and the Code of Civil Procedure already provides for court-annexed mediation after filing. Whether a particular claim must go to mediation first depends on its type, value and location, and on the rollout in that district. We check the position before any commercial litigation is filed, prepare for mediation properly and make sure a failed mediation does not delay urgent interim relief that the client needs. Timing is checked case by case.

Both have advantages. Arbitration offers confidentiality, choice of decision-makers, a neutral seat and, for foreign awards, enforcement under the New York Convention. Court litigation can be cheaper for smaller claims, allows urgent orders against third parties and may suit disputes with several parties or public bodies. The Commercial Courts Act 2026 may make the courts more attractive for some disputes. The right choice depends on the counterparties, assets and likely disputes. We advise on dispute clauses at drafting stage, and our commercial arbitration team handles arbitral proceedings. Hybrid clauses are possible but need careful drafting.

Yes. Foreign companies regularly bring and defend commercial litigation in Bangladesh. They usually act through a power of attorney given to a local representative and must provide properly attested documents, which may need notarisation and authentication abroad. Courts may require security for costs in some circumstances. Evidence from witnesses abroad can be given through commissions or, increasingly, by remote means where permitted. We guide foreign clients through these formalities and coordinate with their home counsel so that the case is ready to file without avoidable delays.

Possibly, but the route is narrow. Judgments from courts of countries declared reciprocating territories can be executed under section 44A of the Code of Civil Procedure, and few countries have that status. Other foreign judgments generally require a fresh suit in Bangladesh on the judgment, in which the court considers whether it was given by a competent court, on the merits and without breach of natural justice. Foreign arbitral awards are usually easier to enforce under the Arbitration Act 2001. We assess enforcement options before proceedings start abroad, wherever possible. Strategy should come first, before costs are incurred.

A decree is enforced through execution proceedings in the court that passed it, or in a court where the debtor's assets are located. Options include attachment and sale of land, buildings, shares and movable property, attachment of bank accounts and, in some cases, arrest and detention of the judgment debtor. Execution can itself be contested, so preparation matters. We trace assets, choose the most effective method of execution and push the process forward, and we use enforcement steps to encourage payment or a structured settlement where that is commercially sensible.