Hindu Women in Bangladesh Fight for Divorce Rights

Here in America, men and women are free to marry and divorce as they choose as long as they adhere to federal and state laws. While there may be exceptions, most marriages and divorces are quickly approved by the state. However, it isn’t like that all over the world. In the country of Bangladesh, women are not always able to divorce from their husbands, especially if they practice Hinduism.

The Hindu women in this country do not have a federal right to divorce their spouses because the legal provisions don’t even exist. One woman told the New York Daily News that she can’t inherit any property from her husband, nor can she leave him even though he has already abandoned her and met another woman. This informant has also been physically abused by her husband, but must endure the treatment because there is no way out.

Thankfully, women are rising up and making the Bangladeshi government aware of this very serious problem. Legislation is expected to pass shortly which will allow these women to leave their husbands legally if they see fit to do so. However, some critics believe that even religion won’t help these men and women who have a tendency to forego divorce even in dire circumstances because it is discouraged in their religion. Yet the new Bangladeshi laws could make it so that for the first time, Hindus could register their marriages with local councils and courts.

That way, a wife could have the rights to sue her spouse for alimony and child support if he chooses to walk out. While the divorce laws in some countries like Bangladesh are still developing, America has fully developed their laws in almost every aspect (except possibly same-sex divorce.) If you are considering divorce in Florida, you still will want an attorney to help you. Talk to someone today!