Interviews With Our Editors: In Conversation With Mr. K. A. M. Majedur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre

The Kluwer Arbitration Blog is delighted to invite the CEO of Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (“BIAC”), Mr. K A M Majedur Rahman for an interview with our editors. Mr. Rahman assumed the position of CEO in January 2025. Prior to joining the BIAC, Mr. Rahman was a banker and capital market professional. Mr. Rahman started his career at ANZ Grindlays Bank Limited and was, most recently, the Group CEO of A.K. Khan & Company Limited. Mr. Rahman also serves as the Non-Executive Independent Director and Chairman of Maldives Islamic Bank, Maldives.

Mr. Rahman, welcome to our Interviews series! Thank you for joining us today. We are excited to hear your insights on the growth of arbitration in Bangladesh and the pivotal role of the BIAC.

1. You have had an impressive corporate and banking career trajectory, before taking on the reins of the BIAC. Could you tell us about your professional journey, and what ultimately motivated you to take on the role of CEO at the BIAC? What are some of the perspectives or skills from the corporate and banking training and credentials that have been helpful in your new role with the BIAC? Are these skills transferrable?

My professional journey has spanned more than four decades across banking, financial services, capital markets and corporate leadership, with experience in Bangladesh, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. I began my banking career in 1981 and subsequently held senior leadership positions at multinational and local banks, home and abroad. I served as the Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka Stock Exchange. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in resolving a wide range of commercial, investment, and organisational disputes, including matters involving cross-border transactions. These disputes were addressed through a combination of negotiation, mediation, and the application of relevant legal principles. This experience has provided me with a strong understanding of dispute resolution processes and is highly relevant to the role of CEO of BIAC.

Although dispute resolution may appear different from banking or corporate management — risk assessment, governance, stakeholder management, negotiation, institutional credibility and the ability to make decisions in complex situations where I had in-depth exposure are indispensable for any Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) institution.

Further, my exposure to the significant backlog of cases in our courts, many of which relate to banking, commercial, and investment disputes, reinforced my conviction that effective ADR mechanisms can play a vital role in improving access to justice and facilitating the efficient resolution of disputes. I believe that the knowledge and experience I have acquired throughout my career can make a meaningful contribution to the development and advancement of ADR in Bangladesh.

My experience has taught me that confidence in an institution is built through integrity, predictability and professionalism. These are also fundamental to arbitration. I was therefore attracted to BIAC for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that can strengthen Bangladesh’s commercial dispute-resolution framework and, ultimately, its investment environment.

2. BIAC began its operations in 2011 as the only international arbitration institution of Bangladesh. This marked a significant step towards promoting ADR in the country and reducing the backlog of cases in Bangladesh’s courts. In fact, in October 2024, a Bangladesh Supreme Court Justice mentioned that the country’s legal system has been struggling to settle a staggering volume of 4.2 million pending cases. 2026 marks 15 years since the establishment of BIAC. How has BIAC contributed to reducing the pressure on Bangladesh’s courts and promoting ADR through the years?

BIAC began operations in April 2011 with the objective of providing a credible institutional framework for arbitration and mediation in Bangladesh. The importance of creating a culture of commercial dispute resolution through ADR serves as the prime task of BIAC.

BIAC has been engaged in creating a platform for structured case administration for arbitration and mediation, access to experienced neutrals and a confidential forum for commercial disputes which led us to address the primary task of establishing the BIAC Arbitration Rules and the BIAC Mediation Rules in 2019. We have also worked extensively on awareness, training and engagement with businesses, lawyers, financial institutions and policymakers.

Nevertheless, BIAC has resolved a sizable number of commercial disputes since its formation. I would be cautious about claiming that a particular percentage of the court backlog has been reduced directly by BIAC unless supported by comprehensive empirical data, which is not currently available.

3. Could you tell us more about the kind of disputes the BIAC typically administers and the parties involved? Is there any particular industry or regional focus?

BIAC's focus is primarily commercial dispute resolution. The disputes generally relate to areas governed by contractual arrangements such as construction and infrastructure, banking and finance, supply chains, corporate affairs and cross-border commercial transactions. These matters are often technically complex, document-intensive and commercially time-sensitive.

Our role is not limited to any particular industry. As Bangladesh's economy becomes increasingly integrated with regional and global markets, we expect the relevance of institutional arbitration and mediation to expand across multiple sectors.

4. How has BIAC engaged with key stakeholders – such as businesses, lawyers, government officials, policymakers to enhance trust in ADR within the country?

We regularly engage with businesses, financial institutions, lawyers, judges, policymakers, academics, students, professional organisations and international development partners through seminars, roundtables, training programmes and other capacity-building initiatives.

For example, BIAC has engaged with the banking community on the use of ADR for disputes relating to non-performing loans, conducted professional training programmes and worked with academia to expose young lawyers and students to the practise of arbitration and mediation. More recently, BIAC and United Nations Development Programme (“UNDP”) convened discussions involving the government, the judiciary, businesses and development partners on commercial courts and reform of the Arbitration Act, 2001 (“Arbitration Act”). We have also introduced an annual ADR Summit to promote awareness on ADR across industries. Workshops and seminars on ADR are regularly held.

5. In 2025, BIAC organised a webinar entitled “ADR and Bangladesh: Addressing Challenges and Exploring Opportunities in Trade and Commerce”. This webinar featured the legal luminaries and former judges of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh such as Mr. Justice M Imman Ali, Former Justice of the Appellate Division and Mr. Justice A.F.M Abdul Rahman, Former Justice of High Court Division. Both justices touched on the need to grow and integrate ADR mechanisms into Bangladesh’s legal system. What are the key challenges that remain in the way of Bangladesh’s growth in the arbitration space? 

Bangladesh has made progress, but important challenges remain. The Arbitration Act was an important legislative development, but commercial practice has evolved considerably since its enactment.

Generally, the issues requiring attention are unnecessary delay, the cost of proceedings, excessive opportunities for procedural disruption, the relationship between courts and arbitral tribunals, enforcement of awards, greater use of technology and the development of a stronger institutional arbitration culture.

These issues have now become part of Bangladesh's broader commercial justice reform agenda. At a BIAC-UNDP seminar in May 2026, the Hon’ble Law Minister clearly outlined a set of action plans to build greater awareness among the judiciary and reform existing laws. This was on the back a discussion among the stakeholders regarding the Commercial Courts Act 2026 and reform of the Arbitration Act, including concerns relating to delay, arbitrator costs and court challenges during arbitration proceedings.

6. In May 2024, the Banking Regulation and Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular advising all banks to utilise ADR methods, with the assistance of BIAC, to recover bad debts. While this is positive for the arbitration community in Bangladesh, do you foresee any challenges and opportunities in implementing this approach for the banking industry? 

Bangladesh Bank’s BRPD Circular No. 11 dated 12 May 2024, underscores the growing recognition of ADR as a practical mechanism for resolving banking disputes in Bangladesh. The circular directed banks to pursue recovery of at least 1% of their non-performing loans through ADR and contemplated the use of institutions such as BIAC.

The opportunity is significant. Loan disputes can remain in litigation for years, during which the economic value of potential recovery may continue to deteriorate. Mediation offers banks and borrowers with a structured environment in which commercially realistic settlements may be explored.

Effective implementation, however, will require a shift in institutional mindset. Bank officials must have clear authority and protection to enter into bona fide settlements without fear that good faith decisions will expose them to regulatory repercussions. Borrowers must participate genuinely with the intention to resolve the issues. Finally, the mediators must have the expertise and credibility to command confidence from both sides. If these conditions are met, ADR can move beyond being a regulatory objective and deliver faster, more commercially viable resolutions for non-performing loan disputes.

7. As the arbitration cases in Bangladesh increase, it is inevitable that there needs to be training and support for disputes lawyers to enhance their skill-set. What can be done to increase the quantity and quality of arbitration lawyers and arbitration related services in Bangladesh?

A successful arbitration jurisdiction requires more than sound legislation and strong institutions; it also depends upon capable practitioners.

We need to increase both the number of practitioners and the depth of their practical experience in arbitration procedure, advocacy, evidence, drafting, cross-examination, damages and award enforcement. Training should therefore move beyond purely theoretical instruction and place greater emphasis on practical skills and exposure.

Universities, law firms, arbitral institutions and professional organisations can contribute through moot competitions, internships, workshops, mentoring and opportunities for young professionals to observe or participate in real arbitration-related work.

Senior practitioners also have an important role to play in creating opportunities for the next generation. Bangladesh needs not only more lawyers with expertise in arbitration, but also a strong pool of arbitrators, mediators, tribunal secretaries, experts and other specialist service providers.

The long-term objective of BIAC is to build an entire arbitration ecosystem capable of handling sophisticated domestic and international commercial disputes within Bangladesh.

8. BIAC has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or cooperation agreements with several national and international organizations such as Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre on 22 April 2024, Energy Disputes Arbitration Centre of Turkey (2022), Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (2023), Nepal International Arbitration Centre (2024). Could you tell us more about the MOUs and mention significant initiatives taken up by the BIAC under these agreements?

BIAC’s international cooperation agreements form an important part of our strategy to connect Bangladesh with the regional and global arbitration community. These agreements are not intended to be merely ceremonial. They create practical frameworks for institutional cooperation, professional development and cross-border dispute-resolution support.

One of BIAC’s most significant early institutional partnerships was its cooperation agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (“PCA”), concluded on 28 November 2016. The agreement provides for reciprocal use of the institutions’ premises for hearings and meetings, as well as local logistical support, strengthening BIAC’s capacity to facilitate international dispute resolution in Bangladesh.

Since then, BIAC has continued to build relationships with leading institutions across Asia, including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (“SIAC”), the Asian International Arbitration Centre (“AIAC”), and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”). In August 2025, BIAC held a strategic meeting with CIETAC in Beijing to explore opportunities for closer cooperation, institutional knowledge-sharing and stronger arbitration links between Bangladesh and China.

At the regional level, BIAC has likewise expanded its network through cooperation agreements with prominent ADR institutions. These include the Nepal International ADR Center on 7 August 2022, the Energy Disputes Arbitration Center of Türkiye in September 2022, the Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre on 3 April 2023, and the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre on 22 April 2024.

At the Asia ADR Summit in August 2025, BIAC signed an MOU with the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“AIADR”), covering joint research, professional training, seminars and wider promotion of ADR across Asia. BIAC also renewed its agreement with the Maldives International Arbitration Centre during the Summit.

Our wider international network includes cooperation and engagement with institutions such as the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Guangzhou Arbitration Commission, Vietnam International Arbitration Centre, Thailand Arbitration Center, SAARC Arbitration Council, BANI Arbitration Center of Indonesia, Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation, Sage Mediation, and other leading ADR bodies.

Together, these partnerships reflect BIAC’s commitment to fostering closing cooperation through joint training, research and publications, exchange of best practices, institutional capacity-building, digital ADR development, reciprocal hearing support and greater exposure for Bangladeshi practitioners. Through these collaborations, BIAC is positioning Bangladesh as a credible and increasingly connected centre for commercial arbitration and mediation in South Asia.

9. The political climate in Bangladesh has seen significant developments in the past year. Given the role of ADR in fostering cooperation and reducing conflict, do you envision BIAC in playing a key role in bridging gaps between various stakeholders?

BIAC’s role must remain professional, neutral, and independent.

At the same time, BIAC can play a crucial role in promoting ADR and fostering a broader culture of dialogue, predictability and cooperative problem-solving. It can provide a neutral platform where businesses, lawyers, regulators, policymakers, the judiciary and other stakeholders can engage constructively on issues relating to commercial justice and dispute resolution.

Periods of transition highlight the importance of trusted institutions. Investors and businesses need confidence that contractual rights and commercial disputes will be dealt with fairly and according to established rules, regardless of wider developments.

Trust ultimately develops when stakeholders see ADR working fairly and efficiently in practice. Consistency, independence and quality therefore remain central to BIAC's approach.

10. What advice would you offer to young professionals or students in Bangladesh interested in building a legal career focusing on ADR?

First, I would advise young professionals or students to build a very strong foundation. Arbitration is multidisciplinary. A good practitioner needs not only an understanding of contract law and procedure, but also commercial awareness, analytical ability, advocacy, negotiation, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Second, practical exposure is very important. Participate in moot competitions, attend arbitration hearings and conferences where possible, undertake internships and learn from experienced practitioners.

Third, develop an international outlook while understanding the domestic legal environment thoroughly. Arbitration frequently involves different legal systems, industries and cultures.

Finally, reputation matters enormously in this profession. Technical knowledge may create an opportunity, but integrity, preparation, independence and professional conduct are what earn and sustain the trust of clients, colleagues and tribunals.

Mr. Rahman, thank you for your time and perspectives!

This interview is part of Kluwer Arbitration Blog’s “Interviews with Our Editors” series. Past interviews are available here.