Criminal defence — Sessions & Metropolitan Sessions Courts (Dhaka)
Practical guidance on criminal litigation stages, courtroom strategy, and client-facing procedures. Lead counsel: Barrister Tahmidur Rahman.
Overview
This page explains how criminal matters progress in Sessions and Metropolitan Sessions Courts in Dhaka, and the practical steps a criminal defence team will take from investigation through appeals. It is intended to inform individuals and organisations about procedures, likely documentation, and options for representation.Lead counsel
Barrister Tahmidur Rahman — criminal practice, trial and appellate work.
Availability
Representation for Sessions and Metropolitan Sessions Court matters. Contact for consultation and case assessment.
How to start
Provide the FIR/complaint, charge sheet (if available), and any medical, digital or financial records for review.
Jurisdiction and role of Sessions Courts
Sessions Courts and Metropolitan Sessions Courts hear serious offences triable by the Court of Session. They also receive appeals and revisions from lower criminal courts. Understanding how and when a matter will reach Sessions Court is important in planning bail, discharge, or defence strategies.Primary functions
Trial for offences with higher prescribed punishments, committal matters, appeals from lower courts.
Common case types
Homicide, grievous hurt, major fraud, high-value financial disputes, narcotics, arms and cybercrime cases reach these courts.
Related remedies
Bail, discharge, revision, appeal, post-conviction relief and sentence modification are common applications.
Pre-trial: immediate priorities
Early steps influence outcomes. The defence priority is to stabilise client status, control evidence flow, and test the prosecution record.Key activities
- FIR and charge-sheet review for legal sufficiency and contradictions
- Bail applications or challenges to custody actions
- Discharge submissions where the evidence does not disclose a prima facie case
- Preservation and independent collection of medical, digital and financial evidence
- Engagement of forensic, medical or digital experts when required
Trial preparation and court conduct
Trial work focuses on evidence testing and persuasive presentation. Controlled cross‑examination, expert evidence, and tight final submissions frame the defence.Cross‑examination
Systematic review of witness statements to expose inconsistencies and test credibility.
Digital evidence
Challenge authentication, chain of custody and admissibility of electronic records and metadata.
Expert witnesses
Coordinate forensic, medical and financial experts to rebut or contextualise prosecution evidence.
Process checklist (typical stages)
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Police inquiry, collection of primary material and filing of FIR/complaint. |
| Charge sheet / committal | Investigation report and court direction whether case proceeds to Sessions Court. |
| Pre‑trial | Bail, discharge, evidence preservation, expert instructions. |
| Trial | Prosecution case, cross‑examination, defence case and final arguments. |
| Post‑trial | Judgment, sentencing, appeals, bail pending appeal, and other post‑conviction remedies. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose defence counsel for a Sessions Court matter?
What immediate documents should I provide for a bail application?
Can digital evidence be excluded?
What is a discharge petition and when is it used?
How are criminal and civil strategies coordinated?
Contact and next steps
For a confidential case assessment or to arrange representation, use the booking link or contact by email. Use the links below for practice pages and firm information.
Email: info@trw.org
Useful firm pages
Related practice pages
Financial services regulatory lawyers
Foreign direct investment
Supreme Court cause list
Other resources
Legal disclaimer: This page provides general information about criminal procedure in Bangladesh and how a defence team may approach a matter. It does not create a lawyer–client relationship and is not legal advice for a specific case. For advice tailored to your situation, arrange a confidential consultation.