Equity Law House

At Equity Law House, our Family Law practice is built on a foundation of empathy and strict legal rigor. We understand that family disputes are not just legal battles but deeply personal life events. Our services are designed to offer holistic protection for your rights, your property, and your children.

1. Types of Family Services Available

We provide comprehensive legal assistance for:

Marriage & Divorce: Handling Talaq (by husband), Khula (by wife), and judicial divorce, along with registration issues.

Dower (Mahr) & Maintenance: Recovering unpaid dower and securing monthly financial support for wives and children.

Child Custody & Guardianship: Resolving disputes over where a child lives (Hizanat) and who makes their legal decisions under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.

Restitution of Conjugal Rights: For spouses seeking to resume their marital life through a court decree.

Succession Certificates: We assist heirs in obtaining Succession Certificates from the District Judge’s Court to claim the deceased's "movable" assets (bank balance, shares, FDRs).

Adoption (Legal Guardianship): While Muslim law technically uses "Legal Guardianship" rather than adoption, we manage the entire court process to give you legal custody of a child, including foreign adoption/guardianship for expats.

Protection: Cases involving Domestic Violence and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

2. Family Property & Inheritance

Yes, we handle family property issues. This includes:

Partition Suits: Filing for the physical division of inherited land among co-heirs.

Gift Deeds (Heba): Drafting and registering irrevocable gifts between close family members.

Will (Wasiyat) Validation: Handling the probate or letters of administration for Wills.

3. ADR: Mediation & Arbitration

We prioritize peaceful settlements to keep your family matters private.

Mediation: This is mandatory in the Bangladesh Family Courts. After the case is filed, the judge must try to settle the matter through mediation. We represent you in these sessions to ensure your interests are protected during negotiations.

Arbitration: Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, issues like divorce and polygamy are first referred to an Arbitration Council headed by the Union Parishad Chairman. We act as your appointed representative on this council.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

Specialized Family Matters

Religious & Special Laws

We provide customized legal strategies based on your faith:

Muslim: Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961; Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939.

Hindu: Hindu Marriage Registration Act, 2012; Hindu Women's Rights to Property Act. (Note: Divorce is generally not permitted in Hindu law in BD, but "Separate Residence & Maintenance" is available).

Christian: Christian Marriage Act, 1872; Divorce Act, 1869 (grounds include adultery, cruelty, etc.).

Special Marriage: For interfaith couples or those choosing secular law under the Special Marriage Act, 1872.

How We Work in the Forums

Family Court: We handle cases at the first instance, focusing on pre-trial and post-trial mediation.

Appellate Court: If the judgment is unfair, we file appeals before the District Judge (under the Family Court Act, 2023).

High Court Division: We file Writ Petitions or Civil Revisions for complex legal points or to stay illegal orders.

Equity Law House, our Banking & Finance practice is designed to navigate the rigorous regulatory landscape of Bangladesh while providing high-end advisory for international transactions. We bridge the gap between financial stability and legal enforcement.

1. Banking & Financial Services Available

We provide a comprehensive range of services for both lenders (banks/NBFIs) and borrowers:

Loan Recovery & Litigation: Handling cases under the Artha Rin Adalat Ain, 2003 (Money Loan Court Act) for speedy debt recovery. 

Cheque Dishonor Cases: Filing and defending criminal proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act, 1881.

Security Documentation: Drafting and vetting complex legal documents including Mortgages, Deeds of Hypothecation, Personal/Corporate Guarantees, and Pari-Passu Charge documents.

Regulatory Compliance: Advising on Bangladesh Bank circulars, BRPD regulations, and Foreign Exchange (FE) guidelines for cross-border transactions.

Syndicated & Project Finance: Managing multi-bank loan arrangements and structured finance for large-scale infrastructure projects.

2. Forums of Operation

National (Bangladesh)

Artha Rin Adalat (Money Loan Court): The primary forum for recovery of loans by banks and financial institutions.

High Court Division: Handling Writ Petitions against illegal bank actions, stay orders on auctions, and appeals against Money Loan Court decrees.

District Courts & Magistrates: For NI Act (cheque bounce) cases and criminal fraud/forgery in banking.

International (Abroad)

International Tribunals: We assist in cross-border financial disputes, especially those involving External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) or foreign-funded projects.

Liaison with Foreign Counsel: We work with international law firms to enforce Bangladeshi court decrees against assets held by defaulters in foreign jurisdictions (e.g., UK, Canada, USA, UAE).

3. Arbitration in Banking: National & International

While many banking disputes go to court, high-value commercial finance increasingly utilizes Arbitration.

National Extent: We represent clients in arbitrations under the Arbitration Act, 2001 for private lending agreements or partnership financial disputes.

International Nature: For international trade finance or investment disputes, we deal with forums like BIAC (Bangladesh), ICC (Paris), or SIAC (Singapore).

Nature of Cases: We handle disputes related to Letter of Credit (L/C) defaults, guarantee enforcement, and interest rate miscalculations in cross-border loan facilities.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

For the Claimant (Bank/Financial Institution)

Sanction Letter & Facility Offer: The primary proof of the agreed loan amount and interest rates.

Loan Agreement & Security Documents: Original Mortgage deeds, Hypothecation agreements, and Guarantee forms.

Account Statements (Certified): Under the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, a certified statement showing the exact default amount.

Demand Notice & AD (Acknowledgement Due): Proof that a formal legal notice was sent to the borrower before filing the suit.

Cheque & Return Memo: Original dishonored cheque and the bank's reason for return (for NI Act cases).

For the Respondent (Borrower/Defaulter)

Payment Receipts: Evidence of any partial payments or installments made that were not credited.

Correspondence for Restructuring: Emails or letters showing the bank agreed to reschedule the loan.

Audit Reports: Independent financial audits if the bank's calculation of interest or "hidden charges" is disputed.

Stay Orders/Injunctions: Any existing court orders from higher courts that prevent the bank from taking action (e.g., auction).

Evidence of Force Majeure: Documents proving that the default was due to circumstances beyond control (if applicable under the contract).

Equity Law House, nous disposons d’une antenne dédiée à la Conformité d’Entreprise et Réglementaire. Nous veillons à ce que les sociétés opérant au Bangladesh — des startups locales aux filiales des sociétés du Fortune 500 — demeurent pleinement alignées sur le Companies Act, 1994, ainsi que sur les directives de la BSEC (Commission bangladaise des valeurs mobilières et de la bourse).

1. Types de services de conformité d’entreprise

Nos services couvrent l’ensemble du cycle de vie d’une société :

Conformité statutaire annuelle : Préparation et dépôt des déclarations annuelles (Formulaire XVIII), des états financiers, et planification des assemblées générales annuelles (AGA).

Conformité aux marchés de capitaux (pour les sociétés cotées) : Garantie du respect du code de gouvernance d’entreprise de la BSEC, des régulations sur les délits d’initiés et des règles de divulgation des informations sensibles sur les cours (PSI).

Services secretarial post-incorporation : Gestion des transferts d’actions, des attributions d’actions (Formulaire XV), des changements de direction (Formulaire XII) et des mises à jour du siège social enregistré (Formulaire VI).

Conformité aux investissements étrangers (BIDA/Banque du Bangladesh) : Facilitation du rapatriement des bénéfices, des approbations de prêts étrangers et du respect de la loi sur la réglementation des changes.

Audits de gouvernance d’entreprise : Réalisation de « bilans de conformité » pour identifier les risques potentiels avant les inspections réglementaires ou les opérations de fusions & acquisitions.

2. Forums d’opération

National (Bangladesh)

RJSC (Registraire des sociétés par actions et des firmes) : Nous agissons en tant qu’interlocuteur principal pour tous vos dépôts statutaires et rectifications.

BSEC et bourses (DSE/CSE) : Représentation des clients lors d’audiences relatives aux infractions réglementaires, aux sanctions ou aux approbations d’IPO/émissions d’actions.

Division de la Haute Cour (compétence originaire statutaire) : Dépôt de requêtes pour la Rectification du registre des actions (article 43) ou demande de régularisation des délais pour dépôts tardifs.

International (étranger)

Gestion des filiales transfrontalières : Nous assistons les sociétés bangladaises à se conformer aux lois locales des juridictions étrangères où elles disposant de bureaux (par ex. Dubaï, Singapour).

Cartographie de conformité mondiale : Alignement du « code de conduite » mondial d’un groupe multinational sur les lois obligatoires spécifiques au Bangladesh.

3. Nature et étendue de l’arbitrage

Dans le monde des entreprises, les litiges de conformité aboutissent souvent à des « impasses entre actionnaires » ou à des « conflits de coentreprise », que nous résolvons par arbitrage.

Portée nationale : Nous traitons les litiges découlant d’un accord d’actionnaires (SHA) ou d’un accord de coentreprise (JVA). Dès qu’un actionnaire majoritaire viole un droit de préemption ou une clause anti-dilution, nous engageons un arbitrage en vertu du Arbitration Act, 2001.

Portée internationale : Pour les sociétés avec capitaux étrangers, nous intervenons dans le cadre de l’arbitrage commercial international. Il s’agit de litiges régis par des règles internationales (CCI/SIAC), dans lesquels la non-conformité (ex. : le manquement à nommer un administrateur étranger) constitue le cœur du différend.

La doctrine du « Levée du voile corporatif » : Tant en arbitrage national qu’international, nous traitons des affaires où le « bouclier corporatif » est contesté afin de rendre les sociétés mères ou les administrateurs personnellement responsables de la non-conformité.

4. Documents requis pour remporter votre affaire

Prierressant (celui qui allègue la non-conformité)

Copie certifiée des statuts constitutifs et du règlement intérieur : Pour prouver que les règles internes de la société ont été violées.

Accord d’actionnaires (SHA) : Pièce essentielle pour démontrer les obligations contractuelles de conformité.

Documents certifiés RJSC : Formulaires XII, XV ou XVIII montrant les divergences ou modifications non autorisées.

Procès-verbaux des réunions du conseil/d’AGA : Pour établir qu’une décision a été prise sans quorum ou convocation appropriée.

Courriers/notices : Notifications adressées à la société ou aux membres du conseil concernant l’infraction.

Pour le défendeur (la société/l’administrateur défendant)

Preuve de dépôt : Bordereaux d’accusé de réception de la RJSC ou de la BSEC prouvant que les dépôts ont été effectués en temps voulu.

Avis de réunion : Récépissés de courrier ou journaux d’e-mails démontrant que tous les actionnaires ont été régulièrement invités à l’AGA/AGE.

Rapports d’audit indépendants : Pour vérifier que la conformité financière était maintenue selon les normes IFRS/BAS.

Résolutions du conseil : Résolutions signées et datées autorisant les actions contestées.

Autorisations réglementaires : Approbations de la BIDA, de la Banque du Bangladesh ou de la NBR justifiant la conduite fiscale ou opérationnelle de la société.

Equity Law House, we provide a dedicated Corporate Compliance & Regulatory wing. We ensure that companies operating in Bangladesh—from local startups to Fortune 500 subsidiaries—remain in full alignment with the Companies Act, 1994, and the directives of the BSEC (Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission).

1. Types of Company Compliance Services

Our services cover the entire lifecycle of a corporation:

Annual Statutory Compliance: Preparation and filing of Annual Returns (Form XVIII), Financial Statements, and scheduling of Annual General Meetings (AGM).

Capital Market Compliance (for Listed Companies): Ensuring adherence to BSEC’s Corporate Governance Code, Insider Trading regulations, and Price Sensitive Information (PSI) disclosure rules.

Post-Incorporation Secretarial Services: Handling share transfers, share allotments (Form XV), changes in directorship (Form XII), and registered office updates (Form VI).

Foreign Investment Compliance (BIDA/Bangladesh Bank): Facilitating profit repatriation, foreign loan approvals, and compliance with the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act.

Corporate Governance Audits: Performing "Compliance Health Checks" to identify potential risks before regulatory inspections or M&A transactions.

2. Forums of Operation

National (Bangladesh)

RJSC (Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms): We act as your primary liaison for all statutory filings and rectifications.

BSEC & Stock Exchanges (DSE/CSE): Representing clients in hearings regarding regulatory breaches, penalty measures, or IPO/Right Issue approvals.

High Court Division (Statutory Original Jurisdiction): Filing petitions for the rectification of the share register (Section 43) or seeking condonation of delay for late filings.

International (Abroad)

Cross-Border Subsidiary Management: We assist Bangladeshi companies in complying with the local laws of foreign jurisdictions where they have branch offices (e.g., Dubai, Singapore).

Global Compliance Mapping: Aligning a multinational’s global "Code of Conduct" with the specific mandatory laws of Bangladesh.

3. Nature and Extent of Arbitration

In the corporate world, compliance disputes often lead to "Shareholder Deadlocks" or "Joint Venture Conflicts," which we resolve through Arbitration.

National Nature: We handle disputes arising from Shareholders' Agreements (SHA) or Joint Venture Agreements (JVA). If a majority shareholder violates a "Right of First Refusal" or "Anti-Dilution" clause, we initiate arbitration under the Arbitration Act, 2001.

International Extent: For companies with foreign equity, we deal with International Commercial Arbitration. This involves disputes governed by international rules (ICC/SIAC) where the breach of compliance (e.g., failure to appoint a foreign director) is the core issue.

The "Lifting the Corporate Veil" Doctrine: In both national and international arbitration, we deal with cases where the "corporate shield" is challenged to hold parent companies or directors personally liable for non-compliance.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

For the Claimant (The One Alleging Non-Compliance)

Certified Copy of MoA & AoA: To prove the company’s internal rules were violated.

Shareholders' Agreement (SHA): Crucial evidence for proving contractual compliance obligations.

Certified RJSC Documents: Forms XII, XV, or XVIII that show discrepancies or unauthorized changes.

Minutes of Board Meetings/AGM: To prove that a decision was taken without a proper quorum or notice.

Correspondence/Notices: Demand notices sent to the company or board members regarding the breach.

For the Respondent (The Company/Director Defending)

Proof of Filing: Acknowledgement slips from RJSC or BSEC proving that filings were done on time.

Notice of Meetings: Courier receipts or email logs proving that all shareholders were properly invited to the AGM/EGM.

Independent Audit Reports: To verify that financial compliance was maintained as per IFRS/BAS standards.

Board Resolutions: Signed and dated resolutions authorizing the actions being challenged.

Regulatory Clearances: Approvals from BIDA, Bangladesh Bank, or NBR that justify the company's fiscal or operational conduct.

Equity Law House, we provide comprehensive legal solutions for employment and labor-related matters, balancing the rights of the employer and the employee. We operate strictly within the framework of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 and the Labour Rules, 2015, while also managing international compliance for multinational firms.

1. Types of Labour Services Available

We handle a wide array of workplace disputes and compliance issues:

Termination & Dismissal: Handling cases of wrongful termination, misconduct, retrenchment, and lay-offs.

Wage & Benefit Claims: Recovery of unpaid salaries, overtime, maternity benefits, and gratuity/provident fund dues.

WPPF & Profit Sharing: Ensuring compliance with Workers' Profit Participation Funds.

Compliance Audits: Drafting and vetting HR Policies, Service Rules, and Employment Contracts to ensure they align with local laws.

Trade Union & Collective Bargaining: Advising on union formation, industrial disputes, and collective bargaining agreements (CBA).

2. Forums of Operation

National (Bangladesh)

Labour Courts: The primary forum for individual grievances (Section 213) and industrial disputes. We represent clients in the 13+ Labour Courts across the country.

Labour Appellate Tribunal: Handling appeals against the orders and judgments of the Labour Courts.

High Court Division: Filing Writ Petitions against the decisions of the Appellate Tribunal or for the enforcement of fundamental labor rights.

Directorate of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE): Handling administrative complaints and factory license issues.

International (Abroad)

ILO Compliance: Advising multinational corporations (MNCs) on complying with International Labour Organization standards.

Cross-Border Employment: Resolving disputes for Bangladeshi expatriates working abroad or foreign nationals working in Bangladesh (in coordination with foreign partners).

3. Arbitration & ADR in Labour Matters

Labor law in Bangladesh strongly emphasizes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before formal litigation.

National Extent: Under Section 210 of the Labour Act, we act as representatives in mandatory Conciliation and Participation Committee meetings. If conciliation fails, parties can opt for voluntary Arbitration.

Nature of Arbitration: We deal with "Industrial Dispute Arbitration" where a neutral arbitrator is appointed to settle disputes regarding wages, working conditions, or collective rights.

International Nature: We represent clients in "International Labour Arbitration" for top-tier executives or specialized staff under international contracts where a foreign seat of arbitration (like Singapore or Dubai) is chosen.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

For the Claimant (The Employee)

Appointment Letter & ID Card: Primary proof of the employer-employee relationship.

Salary Slips/Bank Statements: To prove the last drawn wage and any unpaid dues.

Termination/Dismissal Letter: The document being challenged.

Grievance Notice: Proof that a written grievance was submitted to the employer within 30 days (mandatory for Section 33 cases).

Correspondence: Copies of emails, WhatsApp messages, or letters related to the dispute.

For the Respondent (The Employer)

Service Rules: Proving that the company followed its own approved internal policies.

Show-Cause Notice & Inquiry Report: Crucial for proving that a "Domestic Inquiry" was conducted fairly before dismissing an employee for misconduct.

Attendance & Payroll Records: To defend against claims of unpaid overtime or unauthorized absence.

Resignation Letter (if applicable): To prove that the separation was voluntary and not a forced termination.

Proof of Payment: Final settlement receipts, cheque copies, or bank transfer confirmations.

Equity Law House, nous nous distinguons en offrant un service spécialisé « Litiges et Procédures » qui considère le contentieux non seulement comme une procédure judiciaire, mais comme un outil stratégique d’affaires. Comme le souligne la mission centrale de notre cabinet, nous combinons précision, efficacité et technologie de pointe pour naviguer dans les complexités du système juridique bangladais.

1. Types de services de litiges et de procédures disponibles

Notre pratique de contentieux est multidimensionnelle, couvrant les domaines clés suivants :

Contentieux civil et commercial : Recouvrement de sommes, demandes de dommages et intérêts, détournement de fonds et déclaration de titre ou de statut.

Contentieux bancaire et des sociétés : Gestion du recouvrement de prêts, défense contre les prétentions infondées, destitution d’administrateurs et conflits d’actionnaires.

Droite du travail et des droits de l’emploi : Représentation des employeurs et des employés dans les litiges de licenciement, les réclamations de salaires et les questions de conformité.

Litiges en droit maritime et de l’amirauté : Spécialisation dans les saisies de navires, les réclamations de cargaison et les différends de collision devant le tribunal de l’amirauté.

Constitution et référés-liberté : Contestation des actions arbitraires du gouvernement et protection des droits fondamentaux.

2. Forums d’intervention et portée d’action

Nous opérons dans l’ensemble des principaux forums juridiques du Bangladesh afin d’assurer une protection globale :

La Cour suprême du Bangladesh : Principalement dans la Division de la Haute Cour pour les référés-liberté, les affaires de sociétés, l’amirauté et les appels civils/pénaux.

Tribunaux de district et juridictions inférieures : Traitement des procédures civiles (exécution spécifique, partage) et des affaires pénales (cas relevant de la loi NI, crimes en col blanc).

Tribunaux spécialisés : Comprenant le Artha Rin Adalat (Tribunal des prêts d’argent), les Tribunaux du travail et le Tribunal administratif.

Systèmes quasi-formels : Interaction avec des organismes de régulation tels que le RJSC et la BSEC pour les litiges en matière de conformité des sociétés.

3. Arbitrage et médiation : nature et portée

En tant que « cabinet de contentieux de premier plan », nous recommandons l’ADR (règlement alternatif des différends) afin de faire gagner du temps et des ressources à nos clients.

Portée nationale : Nous gérons l’arbitrage sous la Loi sur l’arbitrage de 2001, en se concentrant sur les conflits entre propriétaires fonciers et promoteurs, les différends de construction et les violations de contrats commerciaux.

Maîtrise de la médiation : Notre cabinet excelle dans la médiation rattachée aux tribunaux et privée, où nous intervenons en tant que facilitateurs pour parvenir à des accords « gagnant-gagnant » avant l’ouverture du procès.

Portée : Notre implication va de la rédaction de clauses d’arbitrage solides à la représentation des clients dans des arbitrages commerciaux internationaux lorsque le siège du différend implique des intérêts transfrontaliers.

4. Gagner votre affaire : documents essentiels

Pour assurer la réussite de nos clients, les documents suivants sont généralement requis :

5. Évaluer Equity Law House en tant que « meilleur cabinet de contentieux »

Notre réputation d’« aboutissement de la maîtrise contentieuse » repose sur trois piliers :

Innovation : Contrairement aux cabinets traditionnels, nous utilisons une technologie de pointe pour la gestion des dossiers et la recherche juridique, garantissant qu’aucun détail n’est négligé.

Précision stratégique : Nous ne nous contentons pas de déposer des dossiers ; nous « orchestrons des stratégies juridiques pour triompher », en évaluant les conséquences de chaque requête.

Communication : Nous maintenons une communication claire, rapide et fiable, comblant le fossé entre le jargon juridique complexe et les besoins professionnels ou personnels de nos clients.

Equity Law House, our Intellectual Property (IP) practice is dedicated to protecting the "creations of the mind." We offer an end-to-end service—from initial search and registration to high-stakes enforcement against counterfeiters.

1. Types of IP Services Available

We manage the four main pillars of Intellectual Property:

Trademarks: Protection of brand names, logos, slogans, and trade dress. We handle registration, opposition, and "passing off" cases.

Patents: Securing rights for new and useful inventions. We assist in drafting technical specifications and filing under the Patents Act, 2022.

Copyrights: Protecting literary, artistic, musical, and software works. We deal with registration and digital piracy issues.

Industrial Designs: Protecting the aesthetic or ornamental shape of a product under the Designs Act, 2023.

2. Forums of Operation

National (Bangladesh)

Administrative Offices: We represent clients before the DPDT (Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks) and the Copyright Office for registration and opposition hearings.

District Courts: The primary forum for filing Infringement Suits. We seek ad-interim injunctions to immediately stop the sale of fake goods.

High Court Division: We handle appeals from the Registrar’s decisions and file Writ Petitions to protect well-known international marks.

Criminal Courts: We initiate criminal raids and prosecutions against counterfeiters under the Trademarks Act and Copyright Act.

International (Abroad)

WIPO & Madrid System: We assist local brands in obtaining international protection in multiple countries through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Madrid System.

Cross-Border Enforcement: We coordinate with foreign firms to stop the import of infringing goods into Bangladesh or to protect Bangladeshi IP being sold illegally abroad.

3. Nature and Extent of Arbitration in IP

Arbitration is increasingly used for IP disputes that arise out of commercial contracts:

National Extent: We handle arbitration for Licensing & Franchising disputes. If a local franchisee continues using a brand name after a contract has expired, we resolve this issue through arbitration.

International Nature: For tech transfers or software development contracts with foreign entities, we deal with WIPO Arbitration or other international seats (like Singapore).

Nature of Cases: Arbitration typically deals with "Non-Sovereign" issues like royalty payment disputes, breach of trade secret confidentiality, or ownership of employee-created IP. Note: The validity of a Patent or Trademark itself usually remains a matter for the state Registrar or Courts.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

For the Claimant (The IP Owner)

Registration Certificate: The "Gold Standard" proof of ownership issued by DPDT or the Copyright Office.

Evidence of Prior Use: Invoices, newspaper advertisements, and marketing materials showing you used the brand/invention before the infringer.

Purchase of Fake Goods: A "Trap Purchase" receipt and the counterfeit product itself to show "Deceptive Similarity."

Survey/Market Report: Evidence showing that consumers are being confused between the original and the fake.

Assignment Deed: If you bought the IP from the original creator, the registered transfer document.

For the Respondent (The Defense)

Proof of Honest Concurrent Use: Showing you developed and used the mark independently without knowing about the Claimant.

Non-Use Evidence: If the Claimant hasn't used their Trademark for 5 years, we can apply to cancel their registration for "Non-Use."

Invalidity Documents: Technical "Prior Art" (existing old inventions) to prove the Claimant’s Patent wasn't actually new.

Generic Nature: Evidence that the brand name has become a common word (like "Xerox" or "Aspirin") and can no longer be a protected trademark.

quity Law House, our Private Client practice is built on the philosophy that legal planning is the most effective way to prevent future family disputes. We provide highly personalized services that cater to the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, expatriates, and families in Dhaka and beyond.

1. Types of Private Client Services Available

We offer a "Life-Cycle" approach to legal services, ensuring your assets are protected at every stage:

Succession Planning & Wills: Drafting Wills (Wasiyat) for Muslims (within the $1/3$rd rule) and secular/religious Wills for non-Muslims. We ensure they are technically sound to prevent probate litigation.

Inheritance & Estate Administration: Managing the legal transfer of assets after a death, including obtaining Succession Certificates for liquid assets and Letters of Administration or Probate for immovable property.

Gifts & Hiba: Drafting and registering Deeds of Hiba (for Muslims) and Gift Deeds (for others), ensuring the mandatory "handing over of possession" is legally documented to be irreversible.

Trusts & Foundations: Establishing family trusts under the Trusts Act, 1882 for the benefit of minors, disabled dependents, or for philanthropic purposes.

Family Property Management: Advising on joint-family property partitions, "Benami" transactions, and cleaning up "ancestral titles" (vetted against CS, SA, RS, and BS records).

Guardianship & Custody: Navigating the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 for the legal custody of minors and the protection of their property interests.

Power of Attorney (POA): Drafting and registering General or Special POAs for non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to manage their local assets from abroad.

2. Forums of Operation (Bangladesh & Abroad)

National (Bangladesh)

Family Courts: For disputes regarding maintenance, dower, and custody.

District Judge Courts: For Succession Certificates, Probate of Wills, and Guardianship applications.

Civil Courts: For Partition Suits or suits for declaration of title and possession.

AC Land & Sub-Registry Offices: For the administrative execution of mutations and deed registrations.

International (Abroad)

Cross-Border Estates: We assist clients who own property in both Bangladesh and foreign countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, UAE). We coordinate with foreign counsels to ensure "Global Wills" are enforceable in Dhaka.

NRB Services: We act as the local legal representative for the "diaspora," managing their ancestral properties and succession issues without them needing to travel to Bangladesh for every hearing.

3. Nature & Extent of Arbitration/Mediation

In Private Client law, we prioritize privacy over public litigation.

Mediation: We act as neutral mediators to facilitate Deeds of Family Arrangement. This is an informal yet legally binding way for heirs to divide property without going to a 10-year court battle.

Arbitration: While personal status (like divorce) is not arbitrable, Property & Financial Settlements are. We use arbitration for complex estate divisions where families prefer a private tribunal over a public courtroom.

National & International: We handle "Family Property Arbitration" nationally and assist in "International Estate Mediation" where family members are spread across different continents.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

Whether you are the Claimant (seeking your share) or the Respondent (defending your right), documentation is everything:

Equity Law House, our Real Estate and Property Law practice is one of our most active departments. We provide a 360-degree service covering everything from "Title Due Diligence" to "Recovery of Possession."

1. Types of Property Services Available

We handle a broad range of civil and regulatory property issues:

Title Search & Vetting: Scrutinizing the chain of ownership (Baya Deeds) from 1932 (CS) to the latest BS records to ensure a "clear title."

Documentation & Registration: Drafting and registering Sale Deeds, Gift Deeds (Heba), Partition Deeds, and Irrevocable Powers of Attorney.

Mutation & Tax Compliance: Assisting in "Namjari" (Mutation) at the AC Land office and ensuring Land Development Tax (Khajna) is updated.

Real Estate Development Support: Drafting Joint Venture Agreements (JVA) between landowners and developers and resolving apartment handover disputes.

Litigation (Suits):

Partition Suit: For the division of inherited property.

Specific Performance Suit: To compel a seller to complete a sale after taking an advance (Baina).

Recovery of Possession: Under Section 8 or 9 of the Specific Relief Act.

2. Forums of Operation in Bangladesh

We represent clients in all key judicial and administrative forums:

Civil Courts (Assistant Judge to District Judge): The primary forum for ownership, partition, and possession suits.

Land Survey Tribunal: For correcting errors in the latest Record of Rights (Khatian/Porcha).

High Court Division: For Writ Petitions against illegal government acquisitions or vested property claims, and First Appeals.

AC Land & Sub-Registry Offices: For administrative matters like mutation and deed registration.

Executive Magistrate Court: For urgent "Section 145" cases to prevent breach of peace and illegal dispossession.

3. Nature and Extent of Arbitration in Property

While property ownership is generally a matter for the Civil Courts, Arbitration is widely used in commercial real estate:

Nature: Primarily used in Real Estate Development Disputes. Under the Real Estate Development and Management Act, 2010, disputes between a landowner and a developer regarding the sharing of flats or construction delays are often referred to arbitration.

Extent: We deal with both Ad-Hoc and Institutional Arbitration (e.g., via BIAC). If your JVA has an arbitration clause, you must go to arbitration before the court will entertain the case.

National Reach: We handle arbitration across major cities (Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet) to resolve "Flat Allocation" or "Breach of JVA" issues.

4. Documents Required to Win Your Case

Property cases in Bangladesh are won on the strength of "Khatians" and "Deeds."