Question
My great-grandfather had two wives. The first wife had two sons and two daughters, and the second wife had two sons and two daughters. My grandfather’s brother passed away shortly after my grandfather. Will my grandfather’s half-brothers inherit the property of my grandfather’s younger brother? Also, we didn’t receive a share from my grandfather’s step-sisters, but they received their share. Please clarify the inheritance distribution.
Answer
Under Bangladeshi inheritance law, the property rights of heirs depend on their relation to the deceased. Here’s how inheritance may apply in your case:
- Inheritance for Half-Brothers: Generally, under Islamic inheritance principles followed in Bangladesh, only full siblings may inherit from each other. Half-brothers (siblings sharing only one parent) may not automatically inherit the property of a deceased half-brother unless the deceased left no direct heirs, such as children or full siblings.
- Property of Deceased Sibling: If your grandfather’s brother (the deceased) had children, a spouse, or full siblings alive, these heirs would generally have precedence over half-brothers in inheriting his property. If no direct heirs exist, inheritance could pass to closer relatives.
- Share for Step-Sisters: If your step-aunt (your grandfather’s step-sister) received her rightful share according to Islamic inheritance principles, this would have been lawfully distributed. Islamic inheritance often grants portions to daughters, which may explain why your step-aunt received her share, whereas sons or direct male heirs would receive a larger portion.
- Consultation with a Lawyer: In complex inheritance cases involving multiple family branches, consult a legal expert specializing in family inheritance law. This ensures your family receives an accurate distribution based on Bangladeshi inheritance rules.