Question
I have been married for 3 years and had a family for 6 months. Husband addicted to adultery, used to physically torture me. My husband’s house is outside Dhaka and my father’s house is in Dhaka. A case was filed due to physical torture while there but I could not continue the case as it was pending. Today I am separated from him for two and a half years. I heard that there was a marriage and the wife also left. My wedding cabin was Tk 10 lakh. Now I want to get divorce from my husband and I want to collect dowry. If anyone knows how to do it, please let me know.
Answer
If you wish to divorce your husband and claim your dowry, here are the steps you should take:
- File for Divorce: You can file for divorce under the Family Courts Ordinance. In your case, the physical abuse, adultery, and emotional distress are valid grounds for divorce.
- Claiming Dowry (Mahrana): Since your Kabin (marriage contract) states that your dowry is 10 lakh taka, you have the legal right to claim this amount. Under Bangladesh’s Family Law, you can ask for your dowry either as a lump sum or in installments, depending on your circumstances.
- Domestic Violence Case: Even though your previous case was pending, you can reopen it by filing a petition in the family court and providing evidence of the physical abuse. This evidence can support your case for divorce and may also impact the dowry settlement.
- Steps to Take:
- Consult a Lawyer: A lawyer specializing in family law can help you file for divorce and claim your dowry.
- Evidence of Abuse: Collect any evidence of the abuse, such as medical reports, photographs, or witness testimonies. These will be useful in court.
- File a Petition in Family Court: File a petition for both divorce and dowry recovery. The family court will handle the process based on the evidence and law.
- Action Against Your Husband’s Other Marriages: If your husband remarried without informing you, this may further strengthen your case for divorce under adultery laws.