Domestic Violence Law in Bangladesh – A Strong Shield for Women’s Protection
In Bangladesh, domestic violence refers to any act of physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse committed by a husband, family member, or relative against a woman or child.
To ensure justice and protection for women and children from such violence, the Government of Bangladesh enacted the
“Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010.”
Under this law, women and children have the right to take legal action against any form of violence occurring within the family.
Definition of Domestic Violence
“Domestic Violence” means—
Any act by a person in a domestic relationship that causes physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm to another family member.
Types of Domestic Violence:
- Physical Abuse: Beating, injury, or any physical harm.
- Psychological Abuse: Insults, intimidation, defamation, or social isolation.
- Sexual Abuse: Forced sexual relations or sexual assault.
- Economic Abuse: Denying access to property, refusing maintenance, or preventing employment.
Legal Rights of the Wife or Victim
A wife or female family member who is a victim of domestic violence has the right to seek the following from the court:
- Protection Order: The court can order the abuser to stay away from the victim.
- Residence Order: The wife cannot be forcefully evicted from her home.
- Maintenance Order: The wife has the right to financial support.
- Compensation Order: The court may grant compensation for mental or physical harm.
Filing a Complaint – Step-by-Step Process
Where to File:
- Local Police Station (Women & Children’s Desk)
- Department of Women Affairs
- Union Parishad / Municipality Office
- Directly to the Magistrate Court
Helpful Resources
| Domestic Violence Law Overview |
| Women’s Rights & Legal Remedies |
| How to File a Family Case |
| Marriage Annulment Process |
| Legal Aid Contacts in Bangladesh |
| National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) |
What the Complaint Must Include:
- Type and date/time of the violence
- Name and relationship of the perpetrator
- Evidence or witnesses (photos, medical reports, neighbor statements, etc.)
Court’s Role:
The court can immediately issue a Protection Order and order an investigation.
Timeline:
Hearings are generally completed within 30 days.
Punishment Under the Law
- Up to 1 year imprisonment, or a fine of up to 10,000 BDT, or both.
- Violating a Protection Order may lead to an additional 6 months of imprisonment.
Women’s Additional Legal Rights
| Right | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mahr (Dower) | The wife can claim her full dower (denmohor) as stated in the marriage contract. |
| Maintenance | Entitled to maintenance until divorce is finalized and during the iddat period. |
| Child Custody | Mothers usually get custody of young children. |
| Inheritance | If the husband dies before divorce takes effect, the wife is entitled to inheritance. |
Marriage Annulment in Bangladesh
A Marriage Annulment occurs when a marriage is legally invalid from the beginning.
Grounds for Annulment:
- Forced marriage (without consent)
- Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
- Underage marriage
- Marriage during an existing valid marriage
- Marriage based on fraud or false information
Process:
- The victim can file a Suit for Annulment in the Family Court.
- The court can declare the marriage invalid if evidence supports the claim.
Family Court Case Filing Procedure
All family-related cases in Bangladesh (divorce, maintenance, custody, dower, inheritance, etc.) are governed by the
Family Courts Ordinance, 1985.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Submit a plaint (complaint) to the Family Court.
- The defendant is served a notice.
- Both parties attend hearings and present evidence.
- The court delivers judgment and enforces the order.
- Usually, cases are filed in the Family Court (Assistant Judge’s Court) of the victim’s permanent address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is protected under the Domestic Violence Act?
A: Any woman or child in a domestic relationship — including wife, mother, sister, daughter, or domestic worker.
Q2: Can a case be filed without direct evidence?
A: Yes. Circumstantial or witness-based evidence is also acceptable.
Q3: What happens if a Protection Order is violated?
A: It may result in 6 months of imprisonment or a fine of 10,000 BDT.
Q4: Can a woman file a domestic violence case after divorce?
A: Yes. Incidents that occurred before or after divorce can be the basis of a case.
Q5: Can a victim file a complaint without a lawyer?
A: Yes. The victim may directly file a complaint at the police station or magistrate court.
Conclusion
The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 ensures safety, dignity, and justice for all family members, not just women.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, do not remain silent — contact your nearest police station, Union Parishad, or Family Court today.
Silence encourages abuse — Legal action brings safety and respect.