Women’s position Under the Family laws of Bangladesh; Critical Analysis

Abstract

This research paper critically examines the position of women under the family laws of Bangla desh, focusing on the Muslim, Hindu, and Christian personal law systems. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and Bangladesh's commitments under international human rights instru ments like CEDAW, women continue to face significant legal discrimination in matters of mar riage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship, custody, and inheritance. The study uses a qualitative, doctrinal approach by analyzing statutes, case laws, and secondary literature to explore how per sonal laws perpetuate gender inequality. Findings reveal that religious interpretations, patriarchal social structures, and legislative inertia contribute to the systemic denial of women’s rights within the family sphere. The paper further evaluates judicial activism and policy-level interventions aimed at addressing these challenges. Finally, it offers key recommendations for legal reform, in cluding the enactment of a Uniform Family Code and amendments to discriminatory provisions in existing laws. This research aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on women’s legal rights and the need for gender-sensitive family law reforms in Bangladesh.