Dower (Denmohor) and Maintenance Claims in Bangladesh: How to Claim from Abroad

Under Muslim law, the Kabinnama records the amount of dower. The wife is entitled to it as a debt, and in the absence of an express term, the prompt portion can be demanded at any time. The deferred portion is payable on divorce or the husband's death. Unpaid dower is a first charge on the estate. Even if the wife waives dower in a Khula, the waiver must be clear and voluntary.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Fees, forms and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the relevant office or a qualified advocate before acting.

• Wife: during the marriage, and during the iddat period after divorce (generally three months or until delivery if pregnant), under Section 9 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 and the Family Courts Ordinance.
• Children: sons until they can earn a living and daughters until marriage; the father's duty continues after divorce.
• Parents: adult children must maintain needy parents.

1. Collect the Kabinnama, NID/passport, proof of residence and evidence of non-payment.
2. Calculate the dower owed and a reasonable maintenance figure based on the husband's income and the family's standard of living.
3. File a plaint in the Family Court of the area where the wife lives or where the marriage took place.
4. The court first attempts mediation, then hears evidence.
5. Ask for interim maintenance during the case.

The Family Court ordinarily decides cases in a limited time frame, although delays are common.

If you are the wife in Bangladesh, you can sue a husband living abroad. Summons can be served through his Bangladesh address, by post, or by substituted service. If you are abroad, appoint an advocate by a Power of Attorney (see PoA guide) and a representative who can attend. Courts can accept evidence by video in many cases.

After a decree, the court can attach bank accounts, salary, property or shares, and may issue a warrant of arrest for non-payment. If the husband owns property in Bangladesh, you can ask the court to attach and sell it. Enforcement abroad is harder, so ask your advocate about reciprocal arrangements in the husband's country.

• "Dower was paid in cash." The husband must prove payment with evidence; a signed receipt or witness statement matters.
• "She waived the dower." The waiver must be voluntary and proved.
• "The wife left without cause." The court examines the facts; desertion by the husband or cruelty may justify the wife's departure.
• "I have no income." Courts consider earning capacity, not only present income.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Fees, forms and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the relevant office or a qualified advocate before acting.

Yes, subject to limitation rules; deferred dower is generally payable on divorce or death, and the limitation period usually runs from that event.

Yes, in the Family Court, with service of summons and enforcement against his assets in Bangladesh.

Usually the wife gives up her dower or part of it as consideration, but the terms must be clear and voluntary.

The law sets short targets, but practical delays are common. Interim orders can help during the case.

Yes. Unpaid dower is a debt of the husband's estate and passes to the wife's heirs if she dies.