Question
An adult acquaintance of mine has converted to Islam. Is there a need for an affidavit or any other legal steps to confirm the change of religion?
Answer
In Bangladesh, changing religion is a personal decision that does not require registration or government approval. However, creating a formal record can be helpful in some cases. Here’s what your acquaintance can consider:
- Create an Affidavit: An affidavit can document the change in religion. This is a voluntary declaration made before a notary public. The affidavit should include the individual’s full name, date of conversion, and a statement about the religious change.
- Notify Relevant Institutions: If your acquaintance’s religion is mentioned on any official documents (like a national ID or passport), they may consider updating this information. However, this is usually optional unless required by the situation.
- Consult Religious Authorities (Optional): Though not mandatory, your acquaintance can also visit a recognized Islamic institution or mosque to obtain a certificate of conversion, which some people find useful for personal records.