Women's Rights
Women in Bangladesh have strong legal protections in marriage and family life. Demanding or taking dowry is a crime, domestic and dowry-related violence is punishable, and a wife is entitled to her dower (mohr) and to maintenance. Several laws work together to protect these 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. If your husband or in-laws demand dowry — before or after marriage — that demand is itself a crime, and you can file a complaint with the police or the relevant court.
Source: Dowry Prohibition Act 1980, ss. 3–4
What can I do about domestic or dowry-related violence?
You can seek both protection and punishment of the abuser. Domestic violence — physical, mental, sexual, or economic — is covered by the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010, which lets you apply for protection, residence, and compensation orders. Serious dowry-related or other violence against women is prosecuted under the Nari-o-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000. Call the national helpline 109 for immediate help.
Source: Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010; Nari-o-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000
Am I entitled to dower (mohr) and maintenance?
Yes. The dower (mohr) agreed at marriage is your legal right and is payable as per the marriage contract — prompt dower on demand and deferred dower at divorce or death. During the marriage, and for the iddat period after divorce, you are entitled to maintenance. If these are denied, you can claim them through the Family Court.
Source: Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961