Bangladesh will host its first-ever Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit in Dhaka on August 1, 2026. Organized by the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), the summit aims to address the longstanding backlog of cases in the country's judiciary and promote effective use of ADR mechanisms. The event coincides with BIAC's 15th anniversary.
Summit Goals and Expectations
The summit seeks to place recommendations before policymakers for the enactment of a Mediation Act and amendments to the existing Arbitration Act, 2001. BIAC Senior Counsel Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran hopes the summit will lead to legislative changes, stating, "We hope to find a way for enactment of a Mediation Act and necessary amendments to the Arbitration Act, 2001 from the summit."
Government's Commitment to ADR
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman highlighted the government's commitment to reducing the backlog of cases, noting a 62 percent decline in filings under certain laws this year compared to 2025. He stated, "At present, nearly 45 lakh cases are pending before courts across the country, posing a significant burden on the judicial system. The government has been working continuously to reduce this backlog."
