Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Bangladesh: Legal Guide

The enforcement of foreign judgments in Bangladesh is primarily governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 1908 . Under Section 2(6) , a 'foreign judgment' is defined as a judgment of a foreign court. The recognition of such judgments hinges on whether the issuing country is a 'reciprocating territory' as…

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At a glance

Executive summary

The enforcement of foreign judgments in Bangladesh is primarily governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 1908 . Under Section 2(6) , a 'foreign judgment' is defined as a judgment of a foreign court. The recognition of such judgments hinges on whether the issuing country is a 'reciprocating territory' as…

Practice area foreign investment
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Legal Framework for Recognition

The enforcement of foreign judgments in Bangladesh is primarily governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 1908. Under Section 2(6), a 'foreign judgment' is defined as a judgment of a foreign court. The recognition of such judgments hinges on whether the issuing country is a 'reciprocating territory' as notified by the Government under Section 44A.

Statutory Requirements for Conclusiveness

Pursuant to Section 13 of the CPC 1908, a foreign judgment shall be conclusive as to any matter thereby directly adjudicated upon between the same parties, except where:

  • It has not been pronounced by a Court of competent jurisdiction;
  • It has not been given on the merits of the case;
  • It appears on the face of the proceedings to be founded on an incorrect view of international law;
  • The proceedings were opposed to natural justice;
  • It has been obtained by fraud;
  • It sustains a claim founded on a breach of any law in force in Bangladesh.
Statutory ProvisionSubject MatterLegal Effect
Section 13, CPCConclusivenessEstablishes Res Judicata for foreign decrees.
Section 14, CPCPresumptionPresumes jurisdiction unless the contrary appears.
Section 44A, CPCExecutionDirect execution for reciprocating territories.
Limitation Act, Art. 117Time Limit6 years to file a suit on a foreign judgment.

Execution Process Roadmap

Obtain Certified CopyVerify ReciprocityFile Execution/SuitAttachment/SaleForeign Decree Execution Workflow

Procedural Pathways

  1. Reciprocating Territories: If the judgment is from a reciprocating territory (e.g., United Kingdom), the decree-holder may file for execution directly in the District Court under Section 44A of the CPC as if it were a local decree.
  2. Non-Reciprocating Territories: If no reciprocity exists (e.g., USA), the judgment is not directly executable. The holder must file a new civil suit in Bangladesh using the foreign judgment as evidence of a debt.
  3. Limitation Period: Under Article 117 of the Limitation Act 1908, a suit upon a foreign judgment must be instituted within six years from the date of the judgment.

Consult Barrister Liton Sarkar

For cross-border enforcement strategies and litigation support in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.

Schedule Scoping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign judgment be challenged on merits in Bangladesh?

Generally, no. Under Section 13 of the CPC 1908, a foreign judgment is conclusive. However, it can be challenged if it was not decided on the merits or if it violates Bangladeshi public policy.

What is the limitation period for enforcing a foreign decree?

According to Article 117 of the Limitation Act 1908, the limitation period for filing a suit upon a foreign judgment is six years from the date of the judgment.

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