SCOPE OF ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN BANGLADESH

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a method of using technology to facilitate the resolution of disputes between parties. This involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or a combination of all three. It is often considered an online equivalent of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ODR also applies innovative techniques and online technologies to augment the traditional means of resolving disputes. The general objective of this research is to understand the scope of online dispute resolution in Bangladesh. Secondary sources have been used in the research. The article is mainly based on various legal instruments, books, articles of prominent researches, newspaper reports and websites. This paper has revealed some challenges towards implementation of ODR in Bangladesh, such as; lack of legal recognition of ODR in existing laws; inadequate technological facilities; lack of expert manpower; insufficient knowledge of judges, lawyers and law officials, UNCITRAL model law is not implementing properly; lack of interest of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the govt. to implement ODR process in Bangladesh etc. At last some suggestions have been made to establish strong ODR mechanisms to adjust with modern day’s legal regime and fulfill the slogan “Digital Bangladesh”.