Trivial Disputes Drive Divorce Spike

A total of 1,063 divorces were registered in Habiganj over the past year, while 13,799 marriages were recorded during the same period. Officials say rising family conflicts, disputes between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, prolonged separation between spouses, mutual mistrust, and increasingly trivial issues are driving a growing breakdown of marital relationships.

According to the District Registrar’s Office, between May 1 last year and May 30 this year, 81 marriage registrars across eight upazilas registered 13,799 marriages and 1,063 divorces. The office does not have comparative data for the same period a year earlier.

Upazila-wise data show that in Habiganj Sadar, 16 registrars recorded 2,610 marriages and 158 divorces. In Bahubal, 14 registrars registered 3,168 marriages and 338 divorces. In Ajmiriganj, one registrar recorded 350 marriages and 9 divorces. In Madhabpur, 12 registrars registered 2,071 marriages and 163 divorces. In Nabiganj, 17 registrars recorded 3,098 marriages and 251 divorces. In Baniachong, seven registrars recorded 125 marriages and 4 divorces. In Chunarughat, seven registrars registered 613 marriages and 38 divorces. In Lakhai, seven registrars recorded 1,764 marriages and 102 divorces.

The district has 96 approved posts for nikah and divorce registrars, of which seven remain vacant. Out of 89 active registrars, 81 submitted data despite repeated requests, while eight have yet to provide information, according to the District Registrar’s Office.

Data from the District Legal Aid Office show that divorce rates are also rising among women in remote villages. Former District Legal Aid officer and former Assistant Judge Sampa Jahan noted that in many cases, disputes between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law trigger marital conflicts. Even minor issues such as household chores or differing sleep schedules are escalating into serious disagreements that eventually lead to separation.

She added that many disputes brought to the Legal Aid Office are resolved through mediation, but in some cases family instability becomes too deep, making separation unavoidable. She also noted that in dowry-related cases, there are instances of attempts to misuse legal provisions. Legal Aid continues to work on raising awareness and resolving disputes, she said.

Recent cases of domestic conflict and alleged extramarital affairs have also drawn attention. On March 17, police recovered the body of 63-year-old Ferdousi Islam Chowdhury from her home in Nabiganj upazila. Her hands, feet, and mouth were found tied. Police later arrested her daughter-in-law, Tamanna Akter, in connection with the incident.

Investigators said the killing stemmed from family disputes and an extramarital relationship. In her court confession, Tamanna Akter admitted involvement in the killing. A young man linked to her alleged affair was also involved in the incident, and police are attempting to arrest him.

Law enforcement sources said the man arrived during a stormy night with two associates to meet Tamanna. As the situation escalated, they allegedly tied up Ferdousi Islam Chowdhury, sealed her mouth with duct tape, and killed her. They then staged the scene by tying up Tamanna to mislead investigators.

Family members said around five bhori of gold jewelry received at marriage remained with Ferdousi Islam Chowdhury. They also said tensions persisted between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as the son lived abroad. During this time, Tamanna became involved in a relationship with the young man.

Locals said Tamanna is only 22 years old and that her husband had been living abroad since their marriage. However, they added that this does not lessen responsibility for the alleged affair and said she should be punished if found guilty, as murder is unforgivable.

Mawlana Habibur Rahman, chairman of the South-Eastern Union Parishad in Baniachong upazila, said a lack of family responsibility, long-term spousal separation, and mutual mistrust are fueling disputes. He stressed the need to raise awareness at both family and community levels to address the crisis.

Former president of the Habiganj Kazi Association Abdul Mannan said divorce rates have risen sharply in recent years. He noted growing family conflicts and increasing intolerance among family members, which are affecting marital relationships. He emphasized the importance of strengthening social responsibility and religious values.

Mo. Bahar Uddin, vice president of the Habiganj district chapter of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), echoed similar concerns. He said family bonds in rural society are weakening, while spousal distance, lack of tolerance, social media influence, and mistrust are negatively affecting relationships.

He added that this crisis must be addressed not only through legal or arbitration mechanisms but also by strengthening values, tolerance, and mutual respect at both family and societal levels.