Mr. Hasan Al Arafat is an experienced corporate lawyer with a decade of professional experience in dealing with all corporate regulatory affairs and other commercial matters, including both contentious and non-contentious, documentation, corporate training, etc. His past experiences working closely with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) along with other reputed firms in Bangladesh, render him most suitable for the position of Head of Department, Corporate at Rahman’s Chambers. Mr. Arafat leads our Corporate Department and is also a senior member of our Investment Department, which is ranked under Corporate & Finance by Chambers and Partners 2026 Asia Pacific Guide. The editorial says: “The practice is additionally recognised in areas such as business formation, M&A and employment matters, alongside energy, infrastructure and real estate matters. Advocates at the firm are knowledgeable on restructuring and insolvency procedures. Notable clients advised by the firm include the likes of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association…”
Mr. Arafat completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Rajshahi University, an LLB (Hons) from National University, and a specialized LLM in International Air and Space Law from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University. He is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Prior to joining the Chambers, Mr. Arafat built an illustrious career spanning almost ten years in the field of corporate, tax, and finance. Throughout his career, he has worked with a number of reputed law firms and also served as a resource officer at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). This background allowed him to become well-versed in all matters pertaining to corporate affairs and land.
Despite being a new addition to the Firm, due to his immense work experience, Mr. Arafat leads the Corporate and Investment Department.
Organization Plan
A Head of Deparment is a partner-level position at Rahman’s Chambers. The person, in addition to being an experienced and accomplished member of his/her relevant Team, is also in charge of overseeing the work of the entire department, managing, handling, keep track of any/all legal affairs related to his/her department and also supervising the Associates of the Firm being assisted by (if any) Deputy Head within the same Department.
Corporate and Finance
As Head of the Corporate Department, Mr. Arafat has been involved in the following works on behalf of the Firm, as follows:
Corporate
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Advised on share dilution, restructuring, and the increase of ordinary and preference share capital, alongside executing complex corporate reorganizations for multiple entities, including major foreign investment companies in the RMG sector.
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Conducted comprehensive legal and financial due diligence, negotiated terms, and prepared transaction documents for 100% share acquisitions, takeovers, and the structuring of inheritance transfers (such as stock exchange memberships) into newly formed legal entities.
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Managed disputes involving shareholders’ rights and exit options, including the forfeiture of shares, rectification of share registers, holding EGMs, voting by-poll, and designing compliant exit models requiring Bangladesh Bank approval for the outward remittance of sale proceeds.
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Advised on winding up and voluntary liquidation processes, specifically assisting foreign investors in navigating insolvency, misappropriation of funds, and potential fraud by local directors.
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Provided comprehensive corporate secretarial services, including filing Annual Returns, holding General Meetings (AGMs/EGMs), formalizing key personnel appointments, renewing business licenses, and conducting official RJSC company searches.
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Advised clients on pending and prospective litigation related to third-party financial fraud, evaluating civil and criminal liabilities, and executing discreet investigations to secure critical documentation.
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Assisted with complex cross-border settlement matters, drafting transactional documents compliant with restrictive foreign exchange policies, and securing necessary Bangladesh Bank approvals.
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Drafted deeds and instruments for the formation of gratuity deposit fund trusts, assisting with National Board of Revenue (NBR) registrations to claim applicable tax exemptions.
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Advised on labor law compliance, mutual dispute resolutions, and legal rights concerning unfair termination and non-compliant employment practices.
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Provided legal opinions to banking clients regarding regulatory risks and potential liabilities associated with continuing credit facilities to specific corporate entities.
As a Senior Member of the Firm’s Investment Department, Mr. Arafat has been involved in the following works on behalf of the Firm, as follows:
Investment
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Advised on setting up industrial registrations with BIDA and obtaining plots within EPZs, managing complexities such as industrial land leases, trade licenses, BEPZA permissions, asset sales, and bond license cancellations.
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Conducted extensive due diligence for business setups, joint ventures, and inbound investments to evaluate financial compliance, uncover corporate governance violations (e.g., unauthorized loans, forged signatures), and advise on optimal structural options.
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Managed expatriate employment and immigration matters, including E-visa recommendations, security clearances, and securing BIDA approvals for work permits, cancellations, and office extensions.
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Advised on inbound investment logistics, including the expansion of share capital, drafting corporate resolutions for share allotments, securing foreign loans, and facilitating requisite Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reporting.
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Advised foreign clients on the applicability of foreign insurance policies (e.g., Professional Indemnity, Commercial General Liability) in Bangladesh, explaining the legal prohibitions against insuring local risks abroad without regulatory permission.
Education
- LLM (Master of Laws) in Int. Air and Space law, Banglabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Aviation and Aerospace University, Bangladesh (2014)
- LLB (Hons), National University, Bangladesh (2018)
- BSc (Bachelor of Science), Rajshahi University (2012)
- HSC Higher Secondary Certificate, Adamjee Cantonment College, (2007)
- SSC Secondary School Certificate, Wills Little Flower School and College (2005)
Legal Qualification
- Advocate, District Court of Bangladesh (2017)
Recognition and Award
- To be updated.
Employment History
- Head of Department, Corporate & Investment (2025 – ongoing)
- Associate, Jurisconsults & Legal Solutions- JLS Law Firm, (2023 – 2025)
- Resource Person, BIDA (2019-2021)
- Individual Practice (2017–2019)
- Senior Executive, Techno Drugs Limited (2015-2016)