Divorce Procedure in Bangladesh 2025 – How to File Divorce, Rights & Timeline

Divorce procedure in Bangladesh is governed by personal laws depending on religion — mainly the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 for Muslims, and other respective laws for Hindus and Christians. Although divorce is a sensitive and emotional issue, understanding the proper legal process helps both spouses ensure their rights are protected and the procedure is completed lawfully.

This article explains how to file for divorce in Bangladesh, the rights of both parties, required documents, and the updated timeline for 2025.

Types of Divorce in Bangladesh

1. Divorce by Husband (Talaq)

Under Muslim law, a husband has the right to pronounce talaq (divorce) following the procedure stated in Section 7 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961.
After pronouncing talaq, the husband must:

1. Give written notice to the Chairman of the local Union Parishad or City Corporation.
2. Provide a copy of the notice to the wife.
3. Wait through a 90-day iddat period (or until childbirth, if the wife is pregnant).

If reconciliation fails during this period, the divorce becomes final after 90 days.

2. Divorce by Wife (Talaq-e-Tafweez or Delegated Right)

If the marriage contract (Nikahnama) includes a clause allowing the wife the delegated right to divorce (Talaq-e-Tafweez), she can initiate the same procedure as the husband by:

• Sending a written notice of divorce to the Chairman.
• Serving a copy to her husband.
• Waiting through the 90-day reconciliation period.

3. Divorce by Mutual Consent (Mubarat)

In this form, both husband and wife mutually agree to end the marriage. Once written consent is provided and the notice is submitted to the local Chairman, the divorce is finalized after the 90-day waiting period.

4. Divorce through Court (Khula)

If a wife does not have the delegated right of divorce, she can apply for Khula through the Family Court by expressing her unwillingness to continue the marriage.
The court will first attempt reconciliation. If reconciliation fails, the court grants a decree of divorce upon returning the dower (Mahr) or a mutually agreed settlement.

Step-by-Step Divorce Procedure in Bangladesh (2025 Update)

Step 1: Serve Written Notice of Divorce

The initiating spouse (husband or wife) must serve a written notice of divorce to the Chairman of the local Union Parishad or relevant authority, with a copy to the other spouse.
Failure to send this notice can make the divorce invalid under Bangladeshi law.

Step 2: Arbitration and Reconciliation

The Chairman forms an Arbitration Council to attempt reconciliation between the spouses.
The process continues throughout the 90-day period or until childbirth, whichever is later.

Step 3: Finalization of Divorce

If reconciliation fails, the divorce becomes effective after 90 days from the date the Chairman received the written notice.

Step 4: Certificate of Divorce

Once the waiting period ends, the Chairman issues a Divorce Certificate confirming that the divorce is complete and legally recognized.

Divorce Rights in Bangladesh

Rights of the Wife

• Dower (Mahr): The wife can claim unpaid dower before or after divorce.
• Maintenance: She may claim maintenance for the iddat period and for children if applicable.
• Custody of Children: The court decides custody based on the welfare of the child.
• Return of Dowry and Assets: The wife can seek the return of her belongings and any assets given during marriage.

Rights of the Husband

• The husband may claim custody of children after a certain age depending on gender and welfare considerations.
• If the wife initiates Khula, the husband may receive compensation such as the return of dower, depending on the court’s order.

Required Documents for Filing Divorce

• Copy of Nikahnama (marriage certificate)
• National ID or passport copies of both parties
• Proof of address
• Written notice of divorce
• Divorce application (for Khula)
• Divorce registration fee receipt

Divorce Timeline in Bangladesh

• Notice submission: Day 1
• Arbitration Council and reconciliation: Up to 90 days
• Finalization: After 90 days, if no reconciliation occurs
• Certificate issuance: Typically within a few weeks after 90 days

So, the total duration to complete a divorce in Bangladesh is usually three to four months, depending on notice delivery and local council efficiency.

Legal Consequences After Divorce

• The divorced wife must observe the iddat period (90 days).
• Child custody and maintenance are handled separately through Family Court if not mutually settled.
• Both parties can remarry after the iddat period ends.
• Any violation of the notice procedure can make the divorce legally invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we understand that divorce is more than a legal issue — it’s a life-changing decision. Our experienced family law team provides compassionate, confidential, and results-oriented support for both men and women in Bangladesh and abroad.

We assist with:

• Filing and notice submission
• Khula and Talaq procedures
• Maintenance and child custody disputes
• Legal representation in Family Court

Contact our family law experts today for a private consultation and professional guidance to ensure your divorce process in Bangladesh is handled legally, efficiently, and respectfully.