Family Law Reforms in Bangladesh: Balancing Tradition and Modernity”

Abstract

Family law in Bangladesh is primarily governed by religious personal laws, which vary across Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities. These laws regulate critical aspects of personal life such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody, and inheritance. While rooted in tradition, many of these legal provisions are outdated and often discriminatory— particularly towards women and children. In recent decades, there has been a growing call for reform to align these laws with constitutional principles of equality, social justice, and international human rights standards. However, efforts to modernize family law in Bangladesh face considerable resistance due to religious sensitivities, political reluctance, and entrenched patriarchal values. The lack of a uniform legal framework has further exacerbated legal inconsistencies and inequality among citizens. This paper explores the major challenges in reforming family law, the resistance from religious and political quarters, and the need for a balanced approach that preserves cultural identity while promoting gender justice. It concludes that meaningful reform is essential for ensuring fairness and equality in family relations in Bangladesh's evolving social and legal landscape.