To shed light on Bangladesh’s role in the realm of international arbitration, the Department of Law at North South University (NSU) organized a seminar titled “International Arbitration: Experience of Bangladesh in a Global Context” on August 23, 2023. The seminar, was held at the Moot Court Room of the university.
Barrister Moin Ghani, a prominent legal practitioner and Advocate at the Bangladesh Supreme Court, was present as the keynote speaker. Dr. M Ismail Hossain, Professor in the Department of Economics at North South University, honored the event as the chief guest, while Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, attended as a distinguished special guest.
The seminar was inaugurated with an opening remark by Arafat Hosen Khan, Chairman of the Department of Law, North South University. He highlighted the significance of the seminar in expanding students’ understanding beyond the confines of Bangladesh’s alternative dispute resolution landscape. Khan expressed his hopes that the expertise of the keynote speaker would enrich the audience’s comprehension of international arbitration.
Barrister Moin Ghani commenced his discourse by elucidating the fundamental aspects of arbitration, both at the international and domestic levels. He emphasized the benefits of arbitration, including its confidentiality, procedural flexibility, and time efficiency compared to traditional court litigation. Ghani delved into his own journey into the world of arbitration, recounting his involvement in a significant arbitration case where an American law firm represented Bangladesh against Myanmar.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Ghani then delved into various instances where Bangladesh was a party to international arbitration cases. He highlighted landmark cases such as the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary dispute, which marked Bangladesh’s entry into the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Ghani also discussed the arbitration involving Saipem, an Italian company, and PetroBangla, a state-owned entity in Bangladesh, which resulted in legal complexities and an eventual award.
Ghani recounted instances where Bangladesh’s participation in arbitration cases against Chevron and Niko was transformed through strategic legal maneuvers, eventually leading to favorable outcomes for Bangladesh. He noted the importance of specialized expertise in international arbitration and expressed optimism for the growth of this field as Bangladesh’s global economic engagement increases.
Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, during his address, recalled a pertinent incident involving a US politician’s return to Bangladesh due to oil company interests, underscoring the interconnectedness of international business and politics. He encouraged students to consider specialized fields like international arbitration for their future careers.
The chief guest, Dr. M Ismail Hossain, emphasized the significance of practical learning beyond the confines of the classroom. He lauded the seminar for providing participants with a broader understanding of Bangladesh’s international arbitration contributions in the global arena.
The event was concluded by Dr. Abu Noman Mohammad Atahar Ali, Associate Professor in the Department of Law at North South University, who extended his gratitude to all participants. The seminar was part of the NSU Law Talk series, a platform that invites legal experts to share their insights and experiences with the academic community. The event’s proceedings were masterfully guided by the hosts, Ms. Saika Islam and Mr. Shamsur Rahman.
In conclusion, the seminar marked a significant stride in enhancing awareness of Bangladesh’s role in international arbitration, setting the stage for an increased engagement with this crucial aspect of global legal proceedings.
