TRW & Co’s UK branch is based at Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QH, England.

This note explains the practical steps commonly taken when an affidavit is executed in England & Wales for use in Bangladesh. It is aimed at international private and corporate clients who need documents sworn or affirmed in the UK and accepted by Bangladeshi authorities. Procedures can vary according to the recipient (courts, government departments, consulates), so always confirm local requirements early.

Overview: purpose and early considerations

An affidavit is a written statement of fact, sworn or affirmed to be true before an authorised officer. When an affidavit executed in England & Wales is to be used in Bangladesh, the principal issues are: the correct content and format of the statement; the identity and authority of the person administering the oath; and the steps required to demonstrate the document’s authenticity to Bangladeshi authorities.

Executing an affidavit in England & Wales

Draft the affidavit clearly and limit statements to relevant facts. Typical practical points:

• Ensure the deponent is correctly identified (full name, address, occupation) and that the body of the affidavit is factual rather than argumentative.
• Have the affidavit sworn or affirmed before an authorised person in England & Wales (for example, a notary public, a solicitor who can administer oaths, or a commissioner for oaths). Different receiving authorities will accept different attestations, so check whether a notarial act is required.
• Retain original proofs of identity and supporting exhibits; these may also need to be exhibited to the affidavit and authenticated.

Legalisation and onward acceptance in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents intended for use there will usually require UK government legalisation followed by consular attestation by the Bangladesh mission in London (or other designated Bangladeshi authority). Practical sequence:

1. Obtain the sworn/affirmed original (and any certified copies) in England & Wales.
2. Arrange certification where necessary (for example, a notary certificate confirming the signature and capacity of the attesting officer).
3. Submit the document to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office for authentication of the signature and seal.
4. After FCDO legalisation, present the document to the Bangladesh High Commission/Consulate in the UK for final attestation if required by the receiving Bangladeshi authority.

On arrival in Bangladesh additional local registration or attestation steps by a Ministry or district court may be necessary, depending on the purpose.

Practical checklist

• Confirm the precise authority in Bangladesh that will receive the affidavit and ask for their acceptance criteria (format, language, translation).
• Draft plainly and attach clear exhibits; keep originals and extra certified copies.
• Decide whether notarisation (notary public) is advisable; for many overseas uses a notarial certificate avoids downstream queries.
• Arrange FCDO legalisation and then consular attestation by the Bangladesh mission in the UK if required.
• Obtain certified translations into Bengali where requested by the receiving authority and have translations themselves certified and legalised as required.
• Allow sufficient time for each step; consular processing can add weeks.

Jurisdiction and sources

Relevant official sources and guidance include:

• GOV.UK – Legalising documents for use abroad (FCDO legalisation)
• Bangladesh High Commission, London (for consular requirements and attestation)
• The Law Society of England and Wales (guidance on affidavits and authorized officers)
• The Notaries Society (notarial practice and certification)

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