Marriage is a sacred institution in Bangladesh, and it is governed by various laws and regulations. The legal obligations of Bangladeshi citizens getting married are crucial to ensure that their marriage is recognized under the law and that they are entitled to certain rights and benefits as a married couple. In this article, we will discuss the legal obligations of Bangladeshi citizens getting married and the legal requirements for marriage in Bangladesh.
Legal Obligations of Bangladeshi Citizens Getting Married:
Marriage Registration: The first legal obligation of Bangladeshi citizens getting married is to register their marriage. According to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1974, all Muslim marriages in Bangladesh must be registered with the local registrar. The registration process involves filling out an application form, providing the necessary documents, and paying the registration fee. Failure to register the marriage can result in legal complications, such as a lack of legal recognition of the marriage.
Age Requirement: Another legal obligation of Bangladeshi citizens getting married is to meet the minimum age requirement for marriage. According to the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, the legal age of marriage for boys is 21 years, and for girls, it is 18 years. Marriages below these ages are considered child marriages and are illegal. The law also imposes penalties on those who facilitate or participate in child marriages.
Consent: The consent of both parties is another legal obligation of Bangladeshi citizens getting married. The law requires that both parties must give their free and full consent to the marriage. Any marriage without the consent of either party is considered invalid. Moreover, if any person is forced to marry against their will, they can seek legal remedies under the law.
Polygamy: Bangladeshi citizens getting married must also abide by the laws on polygamy. Under the Muslim Family Law Ordinance, 1961, a Muslim man is allowed to have up to four wives, provided that he can treat them all equally. However, a man cannot marry again without the permission of his existing wife or wives. Polygamy is illegal for non-Muslims under the Special Marriage Act, 1872.
Dowry: The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1980, prohibits the practice of dowry in Bangladesh. The law states that any demand or payment of dowry, either directly or indirectly, is illegal. Therefore, Bangladeshi citizens getting married must not demand or accept dowry, and those who do can face legal consequences.
Legal Requirements for Marriage in Bangladesh:
Apart from the legal obligations of Bangladeshi citizens getting married, there are also legal requirements for marriage in Bangladesh. These requirements vary depending on the religion of the parties involved.
Muslim Marriage: Muslim marriages in Bangladesh are governed by the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1974. The law requires that both parties must be Muslim and must have the capacity to enter into a marriage contract. The parties must also have two witnesses present during the ceremony. The marriage must be solemnized by a Qazi or an Imam, and the registration of the marriage must be done within 30 days of the ceremony.
Hindu Marriage: Hindu marriages in Bangladesh are governed by the Hindu Marriage Registration Act, 2012. The law requires that both parties must be Hindu and must have the capacity to enter into a marriage contract. The parties must also have three witnesses present during the ceremony. The marriage must be solemnized by a Hindu priest, and the registration of the marriage must be done within 30 days of the ceremony.
Christian Marriage: Christian marriages in Bangladesh are governed by the Christian Marriage Act, 1872. Under this act, the minimum age of marriage for boys is 18 years and for girls, it is 14 years. Both parties must give their free and full consent to the marriage, and the marriage must be solemnized by a Christian priest or minister.
Bhuddist Marriage: The legal obligations for Bangladeshi Buddhist citizens getting married are primarily governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1872. Under this act, the minimum age of marriage for boys is 21 years and for girls, it is 18 years. Both parties must give their free and full consent to the marriage, and the marriage must be solemnized by a marriage officer.