Bangladesh is notified as a reciprocating territory under section 44A of the Code of Civil Procedure. A money decree of a superior court of Bangladesh can therefore be executed in India by filing a certified copy with a certificate of non-satisfaction in the district court where the debtor or assets are. The debtor can only resist on the grounds in section 13, such as lack of jurisdiction, fraud or breach of natural justice.
- Document route
- Bangladeshi notary, MOFA attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 30 minutes behind Bangladesh all year
- Law
- Sections 13, 14 and 44A, CPC 1908
- Direct execution
- Reciprocating territories only
Enforcing Foreign Judgments from Bangladesh: how it works
We check that the decree is from a superior court as notified, is for a sum of money other than taxes or penalties, and is final. We obtain the certified copy and a certificate of the extent to which it remains unsatisfied, and file the execution petition with an affidavit identifying the debtor's assets in India: land, bank accounts, shares or receivables.
If the decree is from a court that is not a superior court, or is not a money decree, it cannot be executed directly, and we file a suit on the judgment instead, in which the Bangladeshi decree is generally conclusive between the parties. We also advise on asset searches and on attachment before judgment where there is a risk of the debtor moving assets.
What clients in Bangladesh should know
- Execution must be filed within the limitation period, so act soon after the decree.
- A translation into English of any Bangla parts of the decree is needed.
- Ex parte decrees face closer scrutiny under section 13, so keep proof of service.
Step by step from Bangladesh
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Bangladesh, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi notary, MOFA attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Bangladesh where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Bangladesh. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Enforcing Foreign Judgments, or see all services for clients in Bangladesh and the Disputes & Enforcement practice area.
Questions from clients in Bangladesh
Is Bangladesh a reciprocating territory?
Yes. Bangladesh is notified under section 44A CPC, so superior court money decrees can be executed in India.
Can a Bangladeshi divorce decree be executed this way?
Section 44A covers money decrees. Recognition of divorce decrees is decided under section 13 and personal law.
How long does execution take?
It depends on the debtor and assets; uncontested attachment can be quick, contested objections take longer.