Staff Correspondent,
In Summary:
- Chief Justice hails Draft Commercial Court Ordinance 2025
- He termed as “outstanding beginning” and a “powerful statement of intent” to close the justice gap caused by delays.
- He emphasized on “establishing commercial courts is essential to strengthen Bangladesh’s legal framework, attract investment, and support economic diversification
Chief Justice Dr. Syed Rifat Ahmed has praised the Draft Commercial Court Ordinance 2025 aimed at reforming commercial dispute resolution, calling it an “outstanding beginning” and a “powerful statement of intent” to close the justice gap caused by delays.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on the Draft Commercial Court Ordinance 2025 on 18 August, he emphasized the need for timely justice, stating, “Commercial justice must be right on time, not just right.”
The seminar was hosted by the Supreme Court and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Draft Ordinance lays the foundation for a judiciary that is “efficient, expert, and trustworthy,” said the Chief Justice.
“Collaboration among judges, lawyers, policymakers, and business leaders is essential to create a new covenant of trust between commerce and justice, promoting speed, expertise, and integrity,” he added.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michel Miller underlined the EU’s support for judicial reforms, emphasizing robust legal frameworks as essential for sustainable economic growth and investor confidence.
“Establishing commercial courts is essential to strengthen Bangladesh’s legal framework, attract investment, and support economic diversification. The EU stands ready to provide technical and peer support to ensure the Ordinance is practical, clear, and user-oriented,” Ambassador Miller said.
Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted, “By establishing Commercial Courts, Bangladesh has the opportunity to align its justice system with the needs of a modern, investment-driven economy. This sends a clear signal to both domestic and international markets: that contract enforcement here is timely, fair, and reliable.”
Justice Zafar Ahmed emphasized key features designed to bridge the justice gap, including summary judgments for frivolous claims, a two-tier threshold system to improve SME access, and structured settlement mechanisms. “The Draft Commercial Court Ordinance reflects a strong commitment to establishing a new covenant between commerce and justice, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and integrity,” he said.
Earlier in the day, judges Hasan Md. Arifur Rahman and Ragib Mahtab presented a progress report on the draft, while lawyers and barristers including Tanim Hussain Shawon, Sameer Sattar, Syed Afzal Hasan Uddin, and Anita Ghazi Rahman, Barrister Saqeb Mahbub, shared perspectives on harmonizing definitions, designing mediation processes, and ensuring access for startups and SMEs.
Among others Sheikh Ashfaqur Rahman, Senior District and Sessions Judge, Sylhet, Md. Muajjem Hussain, Special Officer (Additional District Judge), Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Anowarul Haq, Acting Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, also spoke.
The seminar marked what participants described as a “pivotal step” toward moving from aspiration to action. Stakeholders stressed the need to harmonize laws, expand access for smaller businesses, and align reforms with the Arbitration Act 2001.
