The Bangladesh Centre for International Dispute Settlement (BDCIDS) officially began its operations on 17 September, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of Bangladesh’s admission to the United Nations. To mark the launch, the organization hosted a webinar titled “Bangladesh and International Dispute Settlement,” featuring Ashique Rahman, a partner at the London-based public international law firm Saadeh Rahman LLP. The session was moderated by Durdana Chowdhury, with an introduction provided by Quazi Omar Foysal.
In his keynote address, Mr. Rahman reviewed Bangladesh’s history in international dispute resolution, noting the country’s early ratification of the New York Convention and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the expansion of its bilateral investment treaty (BIT) network. He cited cases ranging from Saipem v Bangladesh to the recent S Alam Arbitration, suggesting that political transitions and regulatory changes often increase a nation’s exposure to treaty-based legal claims.
Mr. Rahman also highlighted Bangladesh’s role as an international claimant, particularly regarding maritime boundary cases under UNCLOS, which he described as a significant precedent for peaceful dispute resolution in the Global South. He pointed to emerging opportunities for developing nations to influence international law through advisory proceedings and third-party interventions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Regarding institutional challenges, Mr. Rahman identified issues such as fragmentation, limited institutional memory, and a lack of inter-ministerial coordination. He recommended the establishment of a specialized national dispute unit and emphasized the need for capacity-building to foster local legal expertise. The event was attended by students, academics, and legal professionals. BDCIDS plans to host future sessions covering topics such as ICJ engagement, investment and commercial arbitration, and the Rohingya cases.
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