Civil Suit in Bangladesh: Process, Court Fee and How Long It Takes
A civil suit is how you claim money, property, a declaration or an injunction in court. It is slower than most people expect, so knowing the stages and the shortcuts matters. Here is the path from plaint to decree.
- The suit starts with a plaint in the court that has jurisdiction by value and place.
- Court fee is paid on the plaint: ad valorem on money and value-based claims, fixed for some reliefs.
- After the written statement, the court can send the case to mediation under section 89A CPC.
- Some disputes must first try pre-case mediation at the District Legal Aid Office.
In this guide: Which court · Stages and typical time · Court fee and other costs
The short answer
A civil suit is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908. You file a plaint setting out the facts, the cause of action and the relief, with the court fee and the documents. The court issues summons; the defendant files a written statement. The court then tries mediation, frames the issues, takes evidence, hears argument and gives judgment and a decree.
A decree is not money in hand. If the other side does not comply, you file for execution.
Which court
| Suit valuation | Ordinary court |
|---|---|
| Up to Tk 15 lakh | Civil Judge (formerly Assistant Judge) |
| Above Tk 15 lakh, up to Tk 25 lakh | Senior Civil Judge (formerly Senior Assistant Judge) |
| Above Tk 25 lakh | Joint District Judge |
This follows sections 18 and 19 of the Civil Courts Act 1887, read with section 15 CPC (file in the lowest competent court). The Civil Courts (Amendment) Act 2026 renamed the Assistant Judge and Senior Assistant Judge as Civil Judge and Senior Civil Judge with effect from 2 November 2025; it did not change these limits. Some disputes go to special courts or tribunals instead. The suit is filed where the defendant lives or works, where the cause of action arose, or, for land, where the property lies. Before suing the government, a two-month notice under section 80 CPC is generally required.
Stages and typical time
- Plaint and court fee: filed with documents; summons issued.
- Written statement: the defendant replies within the time the court allows.
- Mediation (s.89A): the court can refer the case to mediation; a settlement ends the suit.
- Issues: the court frames the questions to decide.
- Evidence: witnesses and documents for each side.
- Argument and judgment: then a decree.
A contested civil suit may take several years in the trial court. The duration depends on the court’s workload, service of summons, evidence, adjournments and any interim proceedings. Appeals and execution can add further time. Interim relief, such as a temporary injunction, can come much sooner.
Court fee and other costs
Court fee under the Court-fees Act 1870 is mostly ad valorem: a percentage of the money claimed or the value of the property, subject to the fee schedule, valuation rules and any exemption or reduction notifications. Some reliefs, such as certain declarations, carry a fixed fee. Add the lawyer’s fee, process fees for summons, certified copies and, where needed, a commissioner or survey fee. We give a written estimate after valuing the claim.
Check limitation
Confirm you are within the time the Limitation Act allows.
Send a notice
A legal notice often settles it, and is required against the government.
Check mediation
See if pre-case mediation applies to your dispute and district.
Value and file
Value the claim, pay the court fee and file with documents.
Common questions
How do I file a civil suit in Bangladesh?
Through a lawyer, file a plaint in the court with jurisdiction by value and place, with the court fee and supporting documents. The court then issues summons to the defendant.
How much is the court fee for a civil suit?
Mostly ad valorem under the Court-fees Act 1870: a percentage of the amount claimed or the value of the property, subject to the fee schedule, valuation rules and any exemption or reduction notifications. Some reliefs have a fixed fee.
How long does a civil suit take?
A contested civil suit may take several years in the trial court, depending on the court's workload, service of summons, evidence, adjournments and interim proceedings. Appeals and execution add time; mediation or settlement can end it sooner.
Which court should I file in?
By value: Civil Judge (formerly Assistant Judge) up to Tk 15 lakh, Senior Civil Judge up to Tk 25 lakh, Joint District Judge above that. By place: where the defendant lives, the cause arose, or the land lies.
Is mediation compulsory in a civil suit?
Section 89A CPC lets the court refer a suit to mediation after the written statement. Separately, some disputes must try pre-case mediation at the District Legal Aid Office before filing.
What is a written statement?
The defendant's formal reply to the plaint, admitting or denying each claim and setting out any defence or counterclaim.
Can I appeal a civil judgment?
Yes. An appeal lies to the District Judge or the High Court Division depending on the court and the value. Time limits are short, so get the certified copy quickly.
What if the other side does not obey the decree?
Apply for execution. The court can attach and sell property, deliver possession or use other modes under Order XXI CPC.
More in Courts, Cases & Money Claims
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Cheque Dishonour Case (Section 138) Bangladesh 2026
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Free Legal Aid in Bangladesh: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
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Mandatory Pre-Case Mediation in Bangladesh 2026
Thinking of filing, or been served with a suit?
Send us the papers. We value the claim, check limitation and give you a plan and an estimate. A written assessment costs nothing.
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