Mr. Mohammed Forrukh Rahman is a leading dispute resolution expert with a distinguished career. Admitted to Lincoln’s Inn and the Bangladesh Supreme Court, he possesses deep legal expertise. Renowned as an arbitrator and international arbitration practitioner, his practice covers arbitration, litigation, and mediation. Specializing in shipping, aviation, and commercial disputes, he handles complex cross-border matters involving international law, environment, IP and IT. His expertise extends to construction, energy, trade, customs, and company law disputes. Memberships in esteemed arbitration institutes, including the ICC Commission and his role at the SAARC Arbitration Council solidify his leadership in the field.

Mr. Mohammed Forrukh Rahman is a distinguished legal practitioner with a formidable academic and professional background. As an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Appellate Division (the highest court), and a Barrister-at-Law of the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London, he possesses a deep understanding of both domestic and international law. His academic achievements, including a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with merit in International Dispute Resolution and subsequent postgraduate diplomas in Maritime Law and Commercial and Corporate Law from the University of London, highlight his comprehensive legal expertise.

A recognized authority in dispute resolution, Mr. Rahman holds esteemed fellowship in the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators, membership in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators. His appointment as a panel arbitrator for the SAARC Arbitration Council and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, coupled with his CEDR (UK) Accredited Mediator status, underscores his proficiency in alternative dispute resolution.

With a distinguished career spanning two decades, Mr. Rahman has specialized in dispute resolution, shipping, and cross-border legal matters. As the founding Head of Chambers/Managing Head, he has successfully cultivated significant growth within the firm’s Dispute Resolution, Shipping covering commercial, aviation works, and International divisions covering international arbitration, international law, environmental, IP and IT works. His prior experience, including pupillage under Mr. Ajmalul Hossain KC, an international arbitration practitioner, working for A Hossain & Associates, roles at Power Cell and Bangladesh Bank, and contributions to Lee. Khan and Partners, has fortified his legal acumen and laid a solid foundation for his career.

Mr. Rahman has a proven track record of representing clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration proceedings. His experience encompasses a wide range of complex legal matters, including those involving international commercial disputes covering aviation, customs, construction covering power & energy, company, employment, shipping and trade. Notably, he has argued before the courts in numerous significant cases and has served as an arbitrator in domestic disputes. Furthermore, Mr. Rahman has acted as an co-arbitrator in local arbitration, local counsel and lead legal counsel in a number of international arbitration proceedings involving matters and parties unrelated to Bangladesh, demonstrating his expertise in cross-border dispute resolution and his ability to navigate the intricacies of international legal frameworks.

Mr. Rahman’s active engagement as a delegate in the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR further demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of dispute resolution. His exceptional qualifications, extensive experience, and proven track record render him a highly respected figure in the legal community.

Organization Plan

The Head of Chambers/managing head, equivalent to managing partner, is responsible for the overall affairs of Rahman’s Chambers in its entirety, whether it is legal issues, management affair, client handling etc. 

Dispute Resolution

Mr. Rahman leads our Dispute Resolution Division. A seasoned litigator, he is enrolled as an Advocate of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (since 2023), the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (since 2008), and the District and Sessions Judge Court, Dhaka (since 2006). With near 20 years of experience, Mr. Rahman has a proven track record in handling complex disputes across various sectors. He has represented clients in courts, tribunals, and arbitrations. His advocacy skills are reflected in the numerous cases reported in leading Bangladeshi law reports.

Construction 

Construction Disputes 

• Argued for central bank in the high profile “Rana Plaza” case involving negligent liability of the owner, causing tragic death of 1000+ people due to collapse of the defective building.
• Represented successfully in an arbitration for Knight Frank Development Ltd. in the area of construction & engineering. We represented the developer before the tribunal and argued on legal implications of Joint Venture (JV) Agreements, Mortgage, Power of Attorney (POA) and several contractual terms and conditions involving termination, force majeure, delay, contractual remedies etc.
• Successfully conducted hearing of writ petition involving gas line connection related disputes through dedicated line 150 psi 12- inch gas line for TM Textiles and Garments Ltd reported in 6 CLR (HCD) (2018) 65,70 DLR (2018) 409.
• Appeared as a counsel before different forums including arbitral tribunal, high court & lower court involving failure to ensure dependable & contractual capacity and associated liquidated damages involving a 105 MW diesel-fired plant at Bheramara, Kustia and a 105 MW furnace oil-fired plant at Noapara, Kustia.

Mr.  Rahman is a contributor for Oil, Gas and Transition to Renewable Practice Guides. The commentary on this sector provides expert insights on the industry’s regulatory authorities, companies’ legal risks, cross- jurisdictional issues and more.

Dispute Resolution  

Alternative Dispute Resolution 

• Acted as a co-arbitrator and passed the award within three month in a dispute involving delay in supplying goods due to COVID-19 related lockdown requiring determination of several complex issues involving force majeure, change in law, frustration, breach and related loss and damages claims involving electricity distribution line related materials i.e. Fuse Cutout and Fuse Barrel.
• Successfully represented client in the very first arbitration under BIAC rule involving investment. Mr. Ajmalul Hossain KC was appointed as the sole arbitrator. The award delivered by Mr. Hossain KC sets a precedent for the future awards under BIAC rule.  
• Successfully conducted hearing involving VAT related ADR between Grameen Danone Foods Ltd vs. Customs, Excise and VAT Authorities
• Appeared as a counsel successfully in an IT related negotiation between Infotech Pte Ltd vs Bangladesh Bank
• Appeared as a counsel in an banking related arbitration between IDCOL and several other borrowers
• Successfully conducted hearing of Arbitration application involving BPDB vs. Summit Industrial reported in 19 BLC(2014)284; 2 CLR(HCD) (2014)73
• Appeared as a counsel in a power plant related arbitration between Summit Power Limited vs. BPDB
• Appeared as a counsel in a power plant related arbitration between Quantum Power vs BPDB

Forrukh Rahman of Rahman’s Chambers moved for the plaintiff while Abdul Baset represented the defendant in the very first arbitration under BIAC rule.

Mr. Rahman with Mr. Ajmalul Hossain KC, Senior Advocate

Shipping Department

Contentious

• Successfully argued in the mater of documentary fraud on behalf of importer ‘Saturn Textiles Ltd.’ involving the supply of defective fabrics, raw material of RMG, by filing suit in lower court and also higher court and were able to obtain an injunction on payment under Letter of Credit on the ground of fraud in 2013.
• Successfully represented Hossain Dyeing and Printing Mills Limited, a concern of Anwar Group of Industries in the recovery of the claim for delivery of fabrics under sales contract where payment has been illegally refused by LC opening Bank and later by the buyer under the sales contract. Recently, the Hon’ble Court passed judgment and Order in favor of our client decreeing monetary payment against the buyer after years of battle in Court.
• Successfully argued in the landmark decision given in the matter of Ship Finance and Jurisdiction of Admiralty court between First Security Islami Bank Ltd vs MV Javed and others reported in 69 DLR (2017) 408
  
• Successfully argued in the matter of Freight and Charges involving Maersk Bangladesh Limited vs Bangladesh reported in 4CLC(HCD)79.
• Successfully argued in the matter of LC Fraud (Hallmark case) Alvi Spinning Mills Ltd and others vs Govt. of Bangladesh reported in 19 MLR(HCD)277.
• Successfully argued in the landmark case between Freight Management and 16 others vs. Bangladesh Bank reported in 2 CLR (HCD) 586; 19 MLR (HCD)336 involving the legality of House Bill of Lading/Receive for shipment of Bill of Lading 2 CLR (HCD) 586; 19 MLR (HCD)336,
• Successfully argued Admiralty and Maritime claim involving Marodi Services vs MV Swift Cro. Reported in 2 CLR(HCD) (2014) 456

Mr.  Rahman is a contributor for Overview of Bangladeshi Arbitration and Maritime Law Practice Guides. The commentary on this sector provides expert insights on the industry’s regulatory authorities, companies’ legal risks, cross- jurisdictional issues and more.

We can therefore highly recommend the legal services of Mr. Rahman to any party, which needs legal support in Bangladesh in matters relating to international trade, financing and transport.

-Dr. Klaus Kostka, Partner, Fleet Hamburg LLP, Germany

Commercial Department

• Successfully argued before Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif And Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahmed Sohel in a civil revision involving stopping payment under a letter of credit on the ground of fraud. Our client, an MNC, the beneficiary and the supplier of food grain. The Hon’ble Court was pleased to discharge the rule and vacated the injunction granted back in 2016 as the fraud allegation was unfounded.
• Acted for How Are You Textiles Ltd of Taiwan, a 100% foreign owned seller and successfully recovered payment within 6 months by filing both money claim and criminal case over a complicated LC related documentary fraud involving collusion of buyer and buyer’s bank.
• Successfully filed a petition against an local Airline for a engine manufacturer & supplier for locating an leased engine and facilitating its return and also recovering dues arising from lease.
• We handled litigation against GMG Airline Ltd, for recovery of service due.
• Assisted in recovering outstanding dues involving supply of aeronautical parts and equipment against two major local airlines in Bangladesh
• We advised an US-based foreign equipment supplier on several legal issues against Bangladesh Biman.

Mr. Rahman is a contributor for  Aviation: Financing and Leasing Practice Guide. The commentary on this sector provides expert insights on the industry’s regulatory authorities, companies’ legal risks, cross- jurisdictional issues and more.  Please click here for the guide.

International

Mr. Rahman heads the International Division, encompassing the International Department and IT & IP Department. He has a distinguished track record in cross-border contentious matters, including international arbitration, cross-border shipping and commercial litigation involving intricate private international law issues, insolvency, and acquisitions. His expertise also extends to international law domains such as taxation and investment. Mr. Rahman has acted as local counsel in numerous international arbitrations centered on Bangladesh. Notably, he has represented client as a lead counsel in several international arbitrations concerning shipping and international trade for clients from various jurisdictions, handling matters unrelated to Bangladesh.

Starting with the most recent, notable works of Mr. Rahman are as follows:

International Department

International Arbitration

• Presently, as lead counsel, representing charterer in an international arbitration involving a charterparty dispute between charterer and shipowner (Norwegian) on breach of charterparty agreement arising from withdrawal of vessel and refusal to call at a port located at the red sea.
• Acting as lead counsel, representing charterer, in an international arbitration involving a charterparty dispute between charterer and shipowner (Chinese) on breach of charterparty agreement arising from withdrawal of vessel, refusal to call at a port located at the red sea, sailing vessel without obtaining NOC from port authority and also appointing third party agent without approval from charterer.
• In 2018 advised Bunge S. A., Switzerland involving claim for hire by disponent owner in relation to cargo discharged in Bangladesh on different aspect of applicability of local arbitration laws in an international arbitration pending in LMAA.
• In 2018 advised MAN Industries (India) Ltd. of India involving disputes over issuance and acceptable of notification of award in an international tender for supply of steel leading to Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC).
• Successfully assisted Komrowski Maritim GMBH on several aspect of international arbitration pending before LMAA and GMAA in a disputes involving shipbuilding contract between Ananda Shipyard and Slipways Ltd vs. Komrowski Maritim GMBH, Germany
• Advised enforcement issues between Smith Co-generation (BD) Ltd. vs. BPDB and GOB
• Assisted Client as a legal consultant in an arbitration proceeding pending before the International Cotton Association (ICA) in a dispute involving the supply of cotton.

Mr. Rahman is appointed as a delegate of ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR in 2022. This 100 years old prestigious think tank provided the first draft of Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. (New York, 1958)

Mr. Rahman is a contributor for  International Arbitration Practice Guide. The commentary on this sector provides expert insights on the industry’s regulatory authorities, companies’ legal risks, cross- jurisdictional issues and more.  Please click here for the guide.

International law & cross border matters

• Mr. Mohammed Forrukh Rahman served as a legal expert on the EU-funded GT098 project, aiding Stantec in developing renewable energy projects in Bangladesh. His role involved ensuring legal compliance, particularly in land acquisition and resettlement, for solar and wind projects. By analyzing laws, EIB guideline, conducting site visits, and engaging with stakeholders, Mr. Rahman helped overcome legal hurdles and facilitate EIB investment in these projects, aligning with Bangladesh’s climate change goals.
• Represented UK P&I Club and the owner of M.V. SUPRAMAX VIVI in a collusion matter which took place in Bangladesh but the Parties chose Singapore are a forum and decided not to appear before Bangladesh Courts. As Bangladesh counsel we worked together with HFW, an international law firm and were actively involved in advising, drafting petition based on private international law principles challenging the jurisdiction of Singapore.
• Assisted a Bangladeshi creditor in recovering dues from a major garment retail company in Poland adjudged bankrupt through insolvency court in Poland.
• As a lead counsel, successfully advised and assisted Oriental Container Line regarding the takeover of the company by another OOCL entity; a Hong Kong-based company as a part of a global takeover.
• Advised A.P. Moller Maersk Line head office over issues involving shipment and foreign exchange control regulation, effective cargo discharge regulation. This assisted in framing new policy affecting Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and the countries who have similar FOREX regulation.
• Due diligence on flag vessel registration and merchant shipping law & regulations of Bangladesh and also international conventions & laws in this regard, including WTO agreements, for a shipping line and also advised them on several matters including possible changes in law and dealing with amendments proposed and also registration of vessel under Bangladesh flag related issues.
• Advised a bank on obligation to sharing financial accounting information, tax residency data for members of OECD countries under multilateral tax treaty on profit shifting etc.

Environmental Law

• Assisted our client in forming a JV with a MNC for design, manufacture and supply of waste water treatment plants for industrial wastewater in the field of textile, petro-chemical, pharmaceuticals, food etc.

IT & IP Department 

Intellectual Property

• Assisted client on the infringement of its Trademark and possible steps available under civil/criminal jurisdiction

Information Technology & Outsourcing

• Advised clients from different jurisdictions on several cross border agreement on making software and apps from Bangladesh.

• Bengali (Native)
• English (Fluent)
• Hindi & Urdu (Conversational)

• Mr. Mohammed Forrukh Rahman (Head of Chambers)