In a pivotal address at the inaugural Bangladesh ADR Summit, former Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed stressed that the quality of a nation's judiciary is a fundamental economic indicator. Speaking as the chief guest at the event hosted by the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), Dr Refaat underscored the importance of timely, efficient, and transparent adjudication. 'By prioritizing these elements, we are establishing a solid foundation for commercial justice,' he remarked. He noted that in today's interconnected global economy, investors look for more than just tax incentives and infrastructure; they seek assurance that contracts will be honored and disputes resolved swiftly.
The former Chief Justice highlighted that for too long, enforcing commercial contracts in Bangladesh has been a significant deterrent to investment. He advocated for a new judicial philosophy for commercial disputes, emphasizing that time is a critical component of justice and that procedural discipline should be considered a constitutional duty. 'The adjudicatory framework we are building is a lifeline for our national economy,' Dr Refaat stated.
The summit, held to mark BIAC's 15th anniversary, featured a keynote address by High Court Division Justice Fatema Anwar, titled 'Advancing Justice and Business Confidence through ADR'. BIAC Board Chairman Mahbubur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while BIAC Vice Chairman Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali chaired a session that showcased BIAC's journey from 2011 to 2026. The program included speeches by notable figures such as former Justice Md Awlad Ali, Aftab Ul Islam, Dr Khaled Hamid Chowdhury, and Rizwan-ur-Rahman.
A panel discussion moderated by Barrister Sameer Sattar brought together legal experts like Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Dr Melita Mehjabeen, Mohammad Forrukh Rahman, Mohammad Mahmudur Rashid, and Barrister Magrub Kabir to deliberate on advancing justice through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The event concluded with a vote of thanks by BIAC Chief Executive Officer KAM Majedur Rahman.
Dr Refaat Ahmed's remarks underscore the growing recognition within Bangladesh that judicial reforms are essential to attract and retain both domestic and foreign investment. The summit aimed to address these challenges and explore ways to enhance the efficiency of the judiciary and the ADR system.
