Clients based in England and Wales who are considering divorce proceedings in Dhaka — or who need local representation for cross‑border family matters — face a mix of procedural, evidential and enforcement issues. This note outlines high‑level considerations for instructing counsel in Dhaka from the firm’s London office at Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QH, England, and practical steps to reduce risk when a matter crosses jurisdictions.

Overview: when Dhaka jurisdiction may arise

A party might pursue a divorce in Bangladesh where one or both spouses are habitually resident in Dhaka, where matrimonial assets are located, or where local law provides advantages for particular remedies. For clients in England and Wales, it is important to evaluate whether proceedings in Dhaka are consistent with forum choice, enforceability in other jurisdictions, and the client’s wider migration, financial and child‑care objectives.

Key cross‑border considerations

• Jurisdiction and forum: compare the factual and legal bases for commencing in Dhaka versus England and Wales; consider timing, local evidential rules and likely timelines.
• Recognition and enforcement: assess how a Dhaka judgment will be treated elsewhere — particularly in England and Wales — when enforcement of property or maintenance orders is needed.
• Children and relocation: cross‑jurisdictional child arrangements raise additional layers of complexity, including potential involvement of central authorities and international treaties.
• Costs and procedure: litigation practice, disclosure obligations and hearing timetables differ; build realistic budgets and contingency plans for appeals or enforcement steps.
• Confidentiality and data: ensure secure handling of sensitive documents and discuss remote evidence, translation and notarisation requirements with local counsel.

How to assess and instruct Dhaka counsel — practical checklist

1. Confirm competence and specialism: ask prospective firms about recent cross‑border family work (written summary, not testimonials or rankings).
2. Verify procedural approach: request an outline of anticipated steps, likely timelines and the evidence the Dhaka court typically requires.
3. Clarify communication and costs: agree a point of contact, expected frequency of updates, fee structure and likely disbursements.
4. Document handling and authority: set out who may instruct counsel, sign filings and receive documents; agree secure transfer protocols for originals and certified translations.
5. Plan for recognition/enforcement: consider advance steps in England and Wales to preserve options for later recognition and enforcement (e.g., preserving assets, interim relief applications).
6. Escalation route: determine how disputes or emergencies will be escalated and whether local counsel will coordinate with overseas advisers.

Jurisdiction and sources

Relevant official sources and authorities to consult when planning cross‑border family work include:

• GOV.UK family law and foreign divorce guidance
• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and consular assistance
• Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) — recognition and enforcement procedures
• Supreme Court of Bangladesh
• Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh High Commission, London

Working across jurisdictions requires coordinated advice from advisors who understand the relevant procedural systems. The firm’s London office can assist with strategic coordination and instructing reputable local counsel in Dhaka where appropriate, while ensuring alignment with clients’ objectives in England and Wales.

General information only; not legal advice and not a substitute for advice on a particular matter.