Women's Rights

Is demanding or giving dowry illegal?

Yes. Giving, taking, or demanding dowry is a criminal offence in Bangladesh. Both the person who demands dowry and those who give or take it can be punished. A dowry demand before or after marriage may itself be an offence, and you can complain to the police or the relevant court.

What should I do first if I face domestic violence?

Safety comes first. Call 999 in immediate danger. Call 109 (and 10921 if needed) for violence against women and children. Seek medical care for injuries and keep evidence. Use the domestic-violence safety guided flow — do not invent a prosecution strategy alone.

What is a protection order (DV Act 2010)?

Under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010, courts may consider protection, residence, maintenance, and compensation orders. File with an advocate or legal aid. Serious abuse may also engage the Nari-o-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000.

Am I entitled to dower (mohr) and maintenance?

In Muslim marriages, nikahnama dower is generally enforceable as a debt; if payment mode is unspecified, the full amount is often treated as payable on demand (MFLO s.10). Maintenance during marriage and during iddat after divorce is commonly discussed. Hindu/other personal laws differ — use Family Court counsel.

What if maintenance is unpaid?

Send a written demand/notice and keep nikahnama and expense proof. Under Muslim law, the local Chairman Arbitration Council route (s.9) and Family Court are discussed. Call 16699. See the family-maintenance flow. If there is violence, prioritise safety first.

Can I learn the full divorce procedure here?

No. Divorce is personal-law and fact specific. AdalotBD does not draft or complete a divorce. Confirm notice, iddat, and registration with an advocate. If there is violence or coercion, helplines and legal aid come first.

Source: Information limit — advocate required