Question:
If parents have only one daughter and no sons, who will inherit the father’s wealth – the uncle or the uncle’s sons?
Answer:
In Bangladesh, inheritance is governed by personal laws that vary based on religion (e.g., Hindu Law, Muslim Law, or the laws for other communities). However, here’s a general explanation under Muslim and Hindu inheritance laws, as these are most commonly applied:
Muslim Law:
Under Muslim inheritance law:
- If there is only one daughter and no son, the daughter is entitled to inherit a portion of the father’s wealth. She will receive half of the father’s estate.
- Uncles and their sons (nephews) are not entitled to inherit from the father if the daughter is alive. The daughter is the primary heir, and no one else can claim a share unless there is no direct heir (e.g., no daughter, no son).
- Uncles and nephews would only inherit if there were no children (sons or daughters) or parents (father or mother) of the deceased, as these people take precedence in inheritance.
Hindu Law:
Under Hindu inheritance law (which applies if the family follows Hindu practices):
- The only daughter is entitled to inherit her father’s wealth equally as a son would. In this case, the father’s wealth will be entirely inherited by her.
- Uncles and their children (nephews) do not inherit the property of the father if there is a surviving daughter. In Hindu law, the direct descendants (daughters and sons) have the priority over collateral relatives (such as uncles or nephews).
Conclusion:
- If the father’s wealth is being distributed according to Muslim or Hindu law and there is only one daughter, she will inherit the father’s wealth, and the uncle or uncle’s sons will not have any claim over the property.
- Uncles or nephews may inherit only if there are no children, such as daughters or sons, and no surviving parents of the deceased.