Barrister Rakib Raihan Robin

The Interim Government of Bangladesh has recently approved the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, bringing significant reforms to the long-standing Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, particularly concerning cheque dishonour cases under Section 138.

The amendment aims to speed up disposal of cases by expanding jurisdiction to Metropolitan Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates (First Class), while higher value cases (amount exceeding five lac) shall be tried by Sessions Courts, thereby reducing backlog.

Ramadan Kareem!

In Bangladesh, matters of child custody are determined primarily under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, read with respective personal laws (Muslim, Hindu, Christian), depending on the parties’ religion.

Under Muslim personal law, the mother ordinarily retains the right of hizanat (custody) for minor children, sons until 7 years and daughters until puberty, provided she is deemed fit. The father, however, remains the legal guardian and may assume custody once the mother’s preferential right ends.

The guiding principle for the Family Court is not merely parental entitlement but the paramount consideration of the child’s welfare, encompassing physical safety, moral upbringing, and educational needs. The court may override personal law preferences if the welfare of the minor so demands.

In practice, in Family Courts, custody orders are often accompanied by provisions on visitation rights, maintenance, and guardianship, ensuring the welfare of minor.

The Code of Criminal Procedure (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has introduced significant safeguards against arbitrary arrest in Bangladesh. Police are now required to clearly identify themselves, state and record the reasons for arrest, and prepare a written “Memorandum of Arrest” signed by a witness. The arrested person’s family must be informed within 12 hours, and access to a lawyer is mandatory. Arrest records will be maintained and made public, remand is capped at 15 days, and penalties are prescribed for filing false or malicious cases, marking a major step towards transparency, accountability, and protection of citizens’ rights.

আইনগত সহায়তা প্রদান (সংশোধন) অধ্যাদেশ ২০২৫।

অন্যান্য সংশোধনীর পাশাপাশি মূলত অত্র অধ্যাদেশের তফসিল উল্লেখিত ৯টি আইনের বিভিন্ন প্রতিকার সমূহ সরাসরি সংশ্লিষ্ট আদালতে মামলা দায়ের না করে আবশ্যিক ভাবে সংশ্লিষ্ট লিগ্যাল এইড অফিসে আবেদন পূর্বক মধ্যস্থতার মাধ্যমে বিরোধ নিষ্পত্তির বিধান করা হয়েছে। মধ্যস্থতা ব্যর্থ সংক্ষুব্ধ পক্ষ সংশ্লিষ্ট আদালতে নিয়মিত মামলা দায়ের করতে পারবেন।

অনেকের মতে মামলার জট/চাপ আদালত থেকে আপতদৃষ্টিতে কিছুটা কমলেও বিচারপ্রার্থীরা আরও বেশি দীর্ঘ সময় বিচারের জন্য অপেক্ষা করতে হবে।

ঈদ মোবারক! 🌙🐐
As we celebrate the spirit of sacrifice, may this Eid-ul-Adha bring peace, prosperity, and compassion to our lives.
Let us remember the true essence of this holy occasion, selflessness, unity, and gratitude.

Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Eid.

Rakib Raihan Robin
Barrister-at-Law
Advocate, District & Sessions Judge Court