Year
2025
Reform Domain
Women
Sub Domain
Family law and individual rights
Source of Reform Proposals
Women's Reform Commission Report
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 29-Jul-26
This reform proposal has been articulated in the Women Reform Commission Report but has yet to be officially initiated.
Observation
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Separate family laws exist in Bangladesh based on religion. The report of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission proposed introducing an optional uniform family law alongside these laws, which would operate as an alternative legal framework without replacing the existing religion-based laws.
The report of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission stated:
a) Introduce a uniform family law that would apply optionally to all religious communities on the basis of justice and equality in all matters relating to marriage, divorce, guardianship and inheritance.
b) Establish a specialised fast-track civil family court where all family matters would be adjudicated under an integrated legal framework, religion-based discrimination would be eliminated, and equality between women and men would be further strengthened.
c) Develop a uniform maintenance policy under which maintenance would be determined based on a person’s socio-economic status. In every case relating to maintenance, dower and other monetary claims, an appeal may be filed by depositing 40 per cent of the amount.
3.2.1.2.2 Violence-related laws: Enforce the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010.
a) Weak enforcement of protection orders
Strengthen effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure the implementation of protection orders.
Ensure punishment for violations of protection orders.
Arrange improved training for law enforcement agencies so that cases can be handled more effectively.
b) Lack of compensation and proper jurisdiction
Ensure timely and appropriate compensation for women subjected to violence.
Under section 17(5) of the Family Courts Act, 2023, courts have been granted magisterial powers. Change the jurisdiction for filing cases and bring it under the family courts.
Include a provision allowing cases to be filed within three years of divorce.
Make the timeframe and procedures for remedies transparent and efficient.
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