Question:
My grandmother was married twice. She was childless in both marriages. After her second husband’s death in 2018, his children (from his first marriage) beat her out of the house. Her husband was a retired policeman, and his pension is not being given to her. The children are refusing to allow her to claim her right and are threatening to kill her if she tries to collect her share. She has no sons or daughters to support her. What should she do now?
Answer:
In this case, the widow is facing serious legal and personal challenges, but there are steps she can take under Bangladeshi law to protect her rights:
- Claiming Pension Rights
In Bangladesh, a widow is entitled to her late husband’s pension, especially if she was legally married to him. The first step for the widow is to contact the pension office where her husband’s pension is administered. She can present her marriage certificate (if available) and proof of her relationship to claim her rightful share. If the pension office refuses to disburse the pension, she can file a complaint at the Bangladesh Pension Office or take legal action to enforce her rights. - Legal Action Against Family Threats
The widow has the legal right to protection from threats and violence. Under Bangladeshi law, domestic violence or threats of harm are crimes, and the widow can file a police report (First Information Report or FIR) against the children for threatening to kill her. She should immediately report the threats to the police. If she fears further violence, she can also file for protection orders under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010. - Legal Claim to Property
If the widow’s late husband owned property, she may have a right to a share of the estate under Bangladesh’s inheritance laws. Even though the children of her husband’s first marriage are refusing to give her property rights, she can claim her inheritance rights under Muslim Personal Law or general inheritance laws. If they are refusing to allow her to live in the house or access her husband’s assets, she can approach the court to settle the inheritance dispute and enforce her rights. - Seek Legal Assistance
Since she has no direct family support, it is crucial for the widow to seek legal assistance. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh provide legal aid for women facing such situations, especially when they are elderly or have no immediate family to support them. She can also seek assistance from a lawyer who specializes in inheritance law or family law. - Social Welfare Programs
If the widow is in a vulnerable position with no means of support, she should explore the possibility of applying for social welfare benefits. The Bangladesh government offers social assistance to senior citizens, especially in cases where they have no financial support. Local social welfare offices may be able to offer financial assistance or guide her toward programs for elderly citizens. - File a Case for Harassment or Forced Eviction
If the children of her second husband are forcibly evicting her from her husband’s property or preventing her from claiming her rights, she can file a civil case for harassment or illegal eviction in court. This can help her reclaim her rights and stop the illegal actions of her husband’s children.