A.S & Associates has a first-rate offering, with it being notably strong in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Jointly led by Sayeed Abdullah Al Mamun Khan and Farhana Khan , the team acts for clients operating in sectors such as energy and natural resources, technology and financial services. Its varied workload includes contentious corporate, industrial, commercial, intellectual property and taxation cases. In addition, it is also regularly instructed in anti-corruption and anti-money laundering matters. Supreme Court advocate Dewan Faisal is a key individual.
Dispute resolution in Bangladesh
A.S & Associates
Practice head(s):
Sayeed Abdullah Al Mamun Khan; Farhana Khan
Other key lawyers:
Dewan Faisal
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable, diversified and knowledgeable team.’
‘Ferdous Rahman — quite knowledgeable, humble and cordial with his clients.’
Key clients
Nurul Faruk Hasan & Co. (Affiliate of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited) [Deloitte Bangladesh]
Md. Zahirul Islam
Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation (BHBFC)
Viator Bangladesh Limited
Most. Asma Ara Khatun
Abdullah Al Rimon Khan
SyedaZerinaAkter
Mesba Uddin and Mr. Moazzam
Md. Mamun Mia
Brothers Construction Company Ltd.
Work highlights
- Assisted Brothers Construction Company Limited with obtaining an injunction that saved the company from being wound up.
- Represented Md Mamum Mia in a matter where a criminal allegation was brought against the client, but not proven to date.
Mahbub & Company
Mahbub & Company has a well-established disputes practice, with a particularly strong track record in white-collar crime cases and judicial reviews. The group also handles employment and labour law disputes and has seen an increase in construction-related arbitration matters. It generates mandates from clients such as large regional telecoms companies, banks and high-profile political figures. Names to note at the firm include A.M. Mahbub Uddin and Saqeb Mahbub, who jointly lead the practice, and experienced associate Rifat Rahman , who also sits as an arbitrator.
Practice head(s):
A.M. Mahbub Uddin; Saqeb Mahbub
Other key lawyers:
H.M. Shanjid Siddique; Rifat Rahman
Key clients
Mostafa Group
Premier Cement Mills Ltd.
Metro Homes Limited
GS E&C
Multimode Group
City Bank
Sena Kalyan Sangstha
Arif Choudhury
MF Consumers Limited
Mutual Trust Bank
DEPA Interiors LLC
SOCAR-AQS Limited Liability Company
Lal Teer Seed Limited
Marks Builders Limited
Double A
Muslim Aid, UK
Singapore Telecommunications Limited
Anan International
Khair Brothers
Café Droom
La Bamba
Kunlun Industrial Co Ltd
Hotel Citrus Limited
Hotel Milina
Platinum Residence
London Guest House
Hotel Sky Line
Hotel White Rose
Elite Tech
Continental Motors
Panasia Clothing
Bhulua Royal City
Honda Bangladesh Ltd.
Nandon Kanon Housing Ltd
Casio
Al Safa Tower Limited
Grand ZamZam Tower Limited
Shamoli Tower Complex Ltd
Peninsula Steel Limited
Ming Global Limited
Carlson Wagon Lit India (CWT) India Pvt. Ltd.
Rapidcash
Work highlights
- Advised a Swiss business tycoon on a dispute arising from confiscation of all his Bangladesh assets pursuant to a mutual legal assistance request by a middle-eastern government.
- Advised a European oil-drilling company on merits of obtaining a crucial interim order in Bangladesh pending a SIAC arbitration against a state-owned petroleum company.
- Representing a leading South-east Asian telecommunications company in defending against multiple debt recovery claims in Bangladesh arising out of cross-border syndicated loan.
The Law Counsel
The Law Counsel‘s well-regarded practice stands out for its strong capabilities in complex commercial litigation, as well as matters involving labour law, industrial disputes and insurance claims. Abdur Razzaq Siddiq is a particularly well-known name among foreign clients operating in the TMT sector. He co-heads the department with Ehsan Abdullah Siddiq and Imran Siddiq, who assist blue-chip companies operating in Bangladesh with compliance and corporate governance issues.
Practice head(s):
Abdur Razzaq Siddiq; Ehsan Abdullah Siddiq; Imran Siddiq
Other key lawyers:
Chowdhury Ishrak Ahmed Siddiky
Testimonials
‘Mr. Siddiq and his colleague Ishrak Siddiky started strong with options, realistic assessments, and local insights and connections in this burgeoning Asian economy. Along the way, they have been excellent representatives for us and our clients.’
‘They have an all-star team, along with the highest-ranked international arbitration practitioners in the world. Their team is known for handling the most challenging and complex cases and getting the clients results.‘
‘As good arbitrators, they have several qualifications that need to be stated herein. They are patient, understanding, flexible and honest listeners. At the time of the hearing of a matter, they give all parties an equal chance to be heard and completely present their grievances. They take all relevant factors into account to decide the case, since it is final and may rarely be appealed in court. They hear each side of the case before reaching any conclusion.’
Key clients
Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd.
Cable News Network (CNN)
Siemens
Saudi Arabian Airlines Ltd.
SACMI
Reliance Insurance Ltd.
Akij Biri Factory Ltd.
Leonardo, SpA
Directors of Homeland Life Insurance Ltd.
RELX India Pvt. Ltd
Dhaka Ahsania Mission
Progga
Reel Tuz Kimya
Power Development Board
Delta Shipping Lines Ltd.
Dabur India Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted for Siemens in a major software infringement dispute against Bangladesh-based electronics giant, Walton Hi-Tech Industries Ltd.
- Advised Saudi Arabian Airlines Ltd. (‘Saudia’) on the enforcement of an arbitral award of a Bangladesh based arbitration tribunal obtained by it against Saudia’s former General Sales Agent (GSA).
- Represented Power Development Board (PDB) in proceedings before the Dhaka District Court in challenging the legality of an arbitral award passed by an arbitration tribunal in a dispute between PDB and a local power generation company.
Bangladesh Law Partners | BDLP
Seasoned arbitrator and barrister Shajib Mahmood Alam leads the dispute resolution team at Bangladesh Law Partners | BDLP, which fields a team of litigators that handles civil disputes, employment matters and criminal law cases. The team has notable experience of acting for clients in mediations. Md Rafinur Rahman is the go-to expert on family-related disputes and he also has a large pro bono employment litigation practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Md Rafinur Rahman
Testimonials
‘The team is very honest and reliable. Their approach to resolving disputes is very impressive and cost effective. They would take every opportunity to resolve a dispute efficiently in our favour. The team is a great example of how a good team of lawyers can reduce expenses and increase productivity.’
‘Mr. Shajib Mahmood Alam and Mr. Rafinur Rahman are both excellent litigation lawyers. They are a great combo to work with in complex law suits. They are also excellent negotiators.’
‘Bangladesh Law Partners has to be the most unique experience we have had in Bangladesh in terms of legal service providers. We are not used to getting such international standard services from lawyers in general. They have an exceptional bunch of people who greet you from the moment you enter their firm and someone is always with you until you exit their doors.’
‘We would recommend all of their lawyers highly, including Mr. Barrister Shajib Mahmood Alam and Mr. Md Rafinur Rahman. They are the perfect team to run a law firm like this and we feel lucky to get our legal services from this dynamic duo. Mr. Alam is exceptional in negotiations and arbitrations. His conduct shows how much he studies before each and every single case and what it means to him to protect our interests.’
‘Dispute resolution and dealing with business issues has always been excellent with them.‘
‘Barrister Shajib, partner, is diligent in his legal advice with due homework and interpretation of the laws. Ensures good management and follow-ups assigned to the members of the law firm.’
Key clients
Unique Group
Unique Hotel & Resorts Ltd.
Malaysia Airlines Berhad
Yangming Hanhai Bangladesh Ltd
Vivo Mobile Company (Bangladesh) Ltd
The Westin Dhaka
Borak Real Estate Ltd
Unique Eastern Private Limited
Unique Share Management Ltd
Unique Meghnaghat Power Ltd.
Purnima Constructions Ltd.
Sonargaon Economic Zone Ltd
Hansa Management Ltd
El Corte Ingles, S.A Liaison Office
CBI Hong Kong
Envelope Group LLC
EG Manufacturing Ltd
Honeycom IT & Automation Ltd
SPAN BD Ltd
Intertech Digital Ltd
Unparalleled Apparel Company Canada
JAT Holdings Ltd (Srilanka)
Asia Coatings Ltd
USBD Commercial Ltd
Al-Furqan Agro & Fisheries
CPO Experts Ltd
XYZ Cloud Bangladesh Ltd
Domicilium Ltd
Wizkit Global Ltd
Prestige Bengal Limited
SKS Business Services Ltd (UK)
Midas Safety
AGA Partners (Ukraine)
Oleo Swiss S.A
ICC Communications Ltd
X-Net Limited
Information Solutions Ltd
Shun Overseas
Prangon Bangladesh Limited
Luman Group
Glorious Group
M/S Epicus Global Trade
M/S Chitra Packaging
Anannya Development Ltd
Shitalakkha Spinning Mills
Lisianthus Fashion Industries
Neerapod.com
Zhan-Tex Pvt Co. Ltd
Sam & Ty LLC.
Z&T Sourcing
Top International Engineering Bangladesh Co Ltd
Bliss Holdings Ltd
Work highlights
- Regularly advising Unique Group on its wide-ranging disputes and taking part in several litigations for them.
- Providing litigation support to Yangming Hanhai Bangladesh Ltd.(VIVO Mobile).
- Acted for Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) in administrative litigation concerning its executive committee before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Doulah & Doulah
Doulah & Doulah's dispute resolution team is adept at handling contentious investment, banking and construction matters for clients. Also notable is that it has an excellent reputation in the enforcement of foreign judgments and awards in Bangladesh. The practice is led by A.B.M. Shamsud Doulah, who has experience of appearing in ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings for clients. Elsewhere in the team, of counsel Mucktadir Rahman (who splits his time between London and Dhaka) focuses on judicial reviews and administrative law matters. Amina Khatoon is another key individual.
Practice head(s):
A.B.M. Shamsud Doulah
Other key lawyers:
Amina Khatoon; Mucktadir Rahman
Testimonials
‘Doulah & Doulah possesses vital local knowledge and understanding of local sensitivities, cultures and idiosyncrasies, which are needed to enable the law firm to provide actionable visibility to our operations.’
Key clients
China Harbour Engineering Company
Edinburgh Wollen Mills
UM International
IDP Education
Walt Disney
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China
Bank of Nova Scotia
Avia Solutions
Aercap
Oberthur
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Saudi Arabian Airlines against the enforcement of an arbitral award for the payment of $18m by a former general sales agent of the client.
- Defending General Electric Capital Aviation Service in local court proceedings, and assisting Allen & Overy in LCIA arbitrations. The dispute has arisen from the client leasing an aircraft to a lessee air operator in Bangladesh, which defaulted on payment of rent. Thereafter GECAS cancelled the lease.
- Successfully defended Zagrebačka banka’s right to be paid against letter of credit against prayers of the debtor seeking injunction over such payment.
H & H Company
H & H Company's dispute resolution team is notably active in contentious intellectual property matters, such as those involving trade mark infringements. In addition, its broader workload encompasses banking and aviation industry matters, as well as general commercial litigation. One of the key figures at the firm is Syed Emran Hossain , who acts for clients in domestic and international arbitration proceedings, in addition to being active in litigation before the Trial Court and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Hossain co-heads the practice with M A Taher has three decades of experience in litigation and international arbitration. Aviation matters are an area of strength for senior associate Rani Akhter.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sattar&Co.
Sattar&Co.'s dispute resolution practice is led by barrister Sameer Sattar, who has previous experience of working at law firms in London, where he focused on international arbitration. Equally strong in commercial and investment treaty arbitration cases, he has acted on matters held under the auspices of the ICC, UNCITRAL and ISCID rules, among others. Elsewhere, the firm is prominent in high-profile banking litigation, and it has a strong track record of winning cases for banks and other financial institutions. In addition to handling contentious banking work, associate Mahbub Hassan is recommended for shareholder protection cases and matters concerning share rectification, as well as admiralty disputes.
Practice head(s):
Sameer Sattar
Other key lawyers:
Mahbub Hassan; Khademul Islam Choyon; Muhaimin Ahmed Chowdhury
Testimonials
‘Specific, concrete, Rational and collaborative. They work with factual issues. Very logical and collaborative.’
‘The individuals working with us helped us by providing the right guidance and describing the consequences of each step.’
Key clients
The City Bank Limited
Dhaka Bank Limited
Bank Asia Limited
Kalyar Packaging Limited
Bangladesh TechnoSity Limited
CHB Building Technology Limited
Esquire Accessories Limited
IDCOL
IDLC Finance Limited
Mutual Trust Bank Limited
One Bank Limited
Opex Group
Palmal Group
Rahimafrooz Group
United Commercial Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Bangladesh Technosity Ltd in an arbitration matter with its lessee over a complex lease agreement.
- Representing One Bank Limited on a regular basis in relation to its cases before the High Court.
- Representing Kalyar Packaging and its majority shareholders in a high-value company shareholder dispute before the Companies Court.
TANJIB ALAM & ASSOCIATES
TANJIB ALAM & ASSOCIATES has a strong pedigree in high-profile court litigation that has national significance, and it is also heavily involved in arbitration cases. Its varied portfolio of work includes trade mark and patent cases, as well as admiralty matters and company law disputes. The group represents a wide range of global and national companies, including those operating in the oil and gas, mining and financial services sectors. Tanjib-ul Alam heads up the team, which includes M. Saquibuzzaman.
Practice head(s):
Tanjib-ul Alam
Other key lawyers:
M. Saquibuzzaman
Key clients
Abul Khair Tobacco Ltd.
Grameenphone Limited
NYK Bangladesh Limited
Robi Axiata limited
Proctor and Gambles Bangladesh Limited
KDS Textiles Limited
Maddhapara Granite Mining Company Limited
United Anowara Power Limited
Bangladesh Bank
Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC)
Work highlights
- Acting for Bangladesh Bank in the winding up of People’s Leasing and Financial Services Limited, a non-banking financial institute. This is the first ever financial institution matter in Bangladesh.
- Acting for Abul Khair Tobacco Co Limited in a challenge of the failure to give fiscal protection to the local branded cigarette manufacturing company.
- Acting for United Anowara Power Limited in an appeal against a temporary injunction in relation to the construction of a jetty for power and LPG Company.
Vertex Chambers
Vertex Chambers’ dispute resolution practice, which is active in court litigation and commercial arbitration cases, is led by managing partner Junayed Ahmed Chowdhury. Under his leadership, the team handles a wide range of contentious matters for clients from industries such as energy, tobacco, construction and IT. Sajeda Farisa Kabir and Tanvir Quader are other key individuals.
Other key lawyers:
Junayed Ahmed Chowdhury; Sajeda Farisa Kabir; Tanvir Quader
Key clients
Unilever Bangladesh Limited
Bay Developments Limited
World Bank Group
International Finance Corporation
Compassion International
SAJIDA Foundation
Jan De Nul NV
British American Tobacco Bangladesh
British-American Tobacco Marketing (Singapore) Private Limited
Teach For Bangladesh
The City Bank Limited
Asiatic 3sixty
GE Medical Systems Bangladesh Limited
Louis Dreyfus
PricewaterhouseCoopers India
Refinitiv Limited (a Reuters concern)
Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh
Standard Chartered Bank UAE
Accord Shipping Limited
PRAN Foods Limited
Southeast Bank Capital Services Limited
Grameenphone
Edge Research and Consulting Limited
EK Architects
Fondation Hirondelle
Institute of Architects Bangladesh
Inn Star
Jumo Bangladesh Ltd
Legal Action Worldwide
Migrant Offshore Aid Station
Norwegian Refugee Council
Mutual Trust Bank Limited
RDRS
Inpace Management Services Ltd.
Deltex Ltd.
BSRM Steels Ltd.
Feni Lanka Power Limited
KRD Ventures Ltd
Shamolima Limited
Southtech Limited
Excelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited
Teach For Bangladesh
Young Life
Work highlights
- Acting for clients in international commercial arbitration involving three contracts for supplying power plant equipment with a Singapore-based company. The dispute involves delay demurrages, economic duress and government intervention.
- Acting for a leading international cotton supplier in its ongoing disputes with a number of Bangladeshi buyers, where the awards of international commercial arbitrations are challenged in Bangladeshi courts.