In Bangladesh, marriage and divorce are governed by personal laws that vary depending on religious beliefs and personal circumstances. Here’s an overview of how marriage and divorce are handled in Bangladesh:

Marriage

**1. Legal Requirements:

• Registration: Marriage must be registered with the relevant authorities to be legally recognized. This is done through the Marriage Registration Office or the Local Government Office.
• Documents Required: Typically includes national identity cards, proof of address, and a marriage certificate form. For specific details, consult with local authorities or legal professionals.

Muslim Marriage Process:

**1. Pre-Marriage Requirements:

• Consent: Both parties must give their free and informed consent to the marriage. The consent of the bride is crucial, and she must agree to the marriage of her own will.
• Mehr (Dower): A mandatory payment or gift given by the groom to the bride, which is stipulated in the marriage contract. It can be paid immediately or deferred.

**2. Marriage Contract (Nikah):

• Nikah Ceremony: The Nikah is a formal marriage contract conducted by an Islamic cleric (Imam) or an authorized person. It involves a verbal agreement in the presence of witnesses.
• Witnesses: The presence of two adult Muslim witnesses is required for the Nikah to be valid. Witnesses can be male or female.
• Marriage Registration: Although the Nikah is a religious ceremony, it is advisable to register the marriage with the local authorities to ensure it is legally recognized. This can be done at the Marriage Registration Office.

**3. Documents Required:

• National ID Cards: Identity proof of both parties.
• Proof of Address: Address proof of both parties.
• Nikah Nama (Marriage Certificate): The marriage contract document, which includes details of the Mehr and other terms agreed upon.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of both parties.

**4. Post-Marriage Formalities:

• Marriage Registration: Register the marriage with the local authorities or the Marriage Registration Office to obtain a legal marriage certificate. This is especially important for legal and administrative purposes.
• Changes in Documents: Update any relevant documents, such as national ID cards and passports, to reflect the new marital status.

Rights and Responsibilities

**1. Rights of the Wife:

• Mehr: The wife has the right to receive the Mehr, as agreed upon in the Nikah contract.
• Maintenance: The husband is obligated to provide financial support and maintenance to the wife.

**2. Responsibilities of the Husband:

• Support and Maintenance: The husband is responsible for providing financial support, accommodation, and maintenance to the wife.
• Respect and Fair Treatment: The husband must treat the wife with respect and fairness.

**3. Property and Inheritance:

• • Property Rights: The wife has the right to retain her own property and assets, which are separate from the husband’s assets.
  • Inheritance: Islamic inheritance laws apply, which dictate the distribution of property and assets in case of death.

Divorce (Talaq) in Islam

**1. Types of Divorce:

• Talaq: The husband can initiate divorce by pronouncing Talaq (divorce) three times, with a waiting period (iddah) between each pronouncement.
• Talaq-e-Bid’ah (Irrevocable Divorce): A form of divorce where the husband pronounces Talaq three times in a single sitting. This type of divorce is considered final and requires a new marriage contract for reconciliation.
• Khula: The wife can seek divorce through Khula, where she initiates the divorce by returning the Mehr or agreeing to terms with the husband.

**2. Divorce Process:

• Pronouncement: The husband pronounces Talaq in the presence of witnesses and provides a written record if possible.
• Waiting Period (Iddah): The wife must observe a waiting period (usually three menstrual cycles) during which reconciliation is possible.
• Divorce Registration: It’s advisable to register the divorce with local authorities to officially document the dissolution of marriage.

Hindu Marriage: Governed by Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. It involves rituals and ceremonies as per Hindu customs, and registration can be done through the Marriage Registration Office.

Christian Marriage: Governed by the Christian Marriage Act, 1872. Marriage is conducted by a priest or clergyman, and registration is done at the church.

Divorce:

**1. Types of Divorce:

• Mutual Consent Divorce: Both parties agree to the divorce and file a joint petition in the Family Court. This is typically a faster and more amicable process.
• Contested Divorce: When one party does not agree to the divorce, the petitioner must prove grounds such as cruelty, desertion, or irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

**2. Procedures:

• Filing a Petition: The divorce process starts with filing a petition in the Family Court. The petitioner must provide grounds for divorce and supporting evidence.
• Court Proceedings: The Family Court will examine the case, and if the divorce is contested, a trial may be held to resolve disputes.
• Decree of Divorce: Once the court grants the divorce, a decree will be issued, finalizing the dissolution of the marriage.

**3. Maintenance and Alimony:

• Maintenance: The court may order one party to pay maintenance to the other, especially if one spouse is financially dependent.
• Alimony: In cases of contested divorce, alimony may be awarded based on the financial status and needs of the spouse.

**4. Children:

• Custody: The court decides on child custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like living conditions, parenting capabilities, and the child’s preferences if old enough.
• Child Support: The non-custodial parent may be required to provide financial support for the child’s upbringing.

Legal Assistance

**1. Law Firms and Consultants:

• Firms like Segunbagicha Consultancy offer services related to marriage and divorce, providing legal representation and advice.