Bangladesh’s justice sector reform efforts gained significant traction on Saturday as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Supreme Court, convened a high-level seminar in Chattogram to outline the path toward operationalising specialised commercial courts.
The seminar, held following a series of consultations with lawyers and business leaders, brought together senior judges, legal experts, economists, government officials, diplomats, and development partners. Discussions centred on developing a concrete roadmap for launching commercial courts—identified as a major priority under the Supreme Court’s Judicial Roadmap.
These courts are expected to help clear years of backlogged business disputes and stalled commercial cases that have weakened investor confidence and slowed economic growth ahead of Bangladesh’s planned LDC graduation.
Chief Justice Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivering the keynote address, said the establishment of commercial courts is essential for rebuilding public trust in the justice system and reducing the economic drag caused by delays.
“Setting up commercial courts, especially in key centres like Chittagong, decentralizes justice delivery and signals to the world that Bangladesh is open for business,” he said. “Institutionalizing transparency and credibility reduces the cost of doing business, unlocks capital, and propels our nation towards prosperity. I call on the legal fraternity to operationalize this law with integrity, discipline, and efficiency.”
Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh described the initiative as a critical forward-looking reform. “These courts will build investor confidence, ensure fairness in commerce, deepen trust in public institutions, and foster job growth,” he said, adding that Canada is proud to support a reform effort that strengthens the rule of law and bolsters future bilateral engagement.
European Union Ambassador Michael Miller said timely and transparent dispute resolution is a prerequisite for investor confidence. “The operationalisation of commercial courts marks a bold step from aspiration to action, strengthening judicial independence and trust in institutions,” he said. “The EU remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s justice reforms as the country moves toward LDC graduation.”
Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks noted that reliable dispute resolution will help position Bangladesh as a competitive global market. “Sweden stands ready to continue this partnership, turning commitment into action and building a justice system that empowers businesses and unlocks sustainable economic growth,” he said.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller underscored the reform’s potential to reshape the investment climate. “Commercial courts will help strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation as a secure and reliable destination for investors,” he said, adding that the initiative will foster entrepreneurship and enhance competitiveness.
Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke commended Bangladesh’s progress in justice reform. “Judicial independence is a core value for Australia, and we are encouraged by Bangladesh’s steps. Operationalising commercial courts will reduce delays and boost investor confidence,” he said.
Technical presentations at the seminar reviewed the Commercial Courts Ordinance 2025, analysed the economic impact of efficient commercial dispute resolution, and highlighted international models of specialised courts that have improved business environments.
Expert panels—including Barrister Margub Kabir, Barrister Sameer Sattar, UNDP Country Economic Advisor Owais Parray, and UNDP digitalization specialist Chris Decker—discussed persistent case backlogs, fragmented legal frameworks, SME access barriers, and infrastructure requirements. The seminar was anchored by UNDP Senior Adviser Romana Schweiger.
Closing the event, Supreme Court Registrar General Judge Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to making commercial courts operational without delay. He said the initiative is a national priority and a key step toward aligning the justice system with Bangladesh’s economic ambitions.