DHAKA, July 30, 2026 (BSS)- The country's first-ever Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit will be held in the capital on August 1, 2026.

Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), an alternative dispute resolution body, is organising the summit to mark its 15th anniversary.

"It is the first summit of its kind in the country, and we hope to place our recommendations before the policymakers for the enactment of a Mediation Act and amendments to the existing Arbitration Act," said Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) Senior Counsel Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran.

The 1st Bangladesh ADR Summit is being held against the backdrop of the government's firm commitment to reduce the longstanding backlog of cases in the country's judiciary and ensuring speedy justice for ordinary people through effective use of the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today said the government's initiatives and effective use of ADR have resulted in a more than 62 per cent decline in the filing of cases under certain laws this year compared to 2025," 

"At present, nearly 45 lakh cases are pending before courts across the country, posing a significant burden on the judicial system. The government has been working continuously to reduce this backlog," the minister added.

Meanwhile, replying to a question about the summit's expected contribution to the country's judicial system, BIAC Senior Counsel Mohammad Anisul Haque Emran said they hope to find a way for enactment of a Mediation Act and necessary amendments to the Arbitration Act, 2001 from the summit.

"Look, we have the Arbitration Act, 2001, but it is in dire need of amendment. Unfortunately, we are lagging behind in this area from our neighbouring countries. Several countries have enacted a Mediation Act after implementing the Singapore Convention on Mediation, but we do not have one. Through this summit, we hope to renew our push for amendments to the Arbitration Act, 2001 and enactment of a Mediation Act," he said.

"We also hope the relevant officials participating in the summit will recommend that the matter be referred to Parliament for enacting the law," Emran added.