The Rise of Divorce Rate in Bangladesh: Excessive Dower is Major Cause among Muslim Wives Initiating Divorce

Abstract

In order to constitute a valid marriage, the Muslim law requires that there should always be a consideration moving from the husband in favor of the wife for her sole and exclusive use and benefit. This consideration is called dower (Mahr). Dower is an essential requirement in Muslim marriage takes place. But there is no maximum limit of dower, when dower is fixing high, wife can realize the dower as it is.The present study intends to discover the practices of dower among women in Bangladesh. The main purpose of this study to probe whether excessive dower is leading to more wife-led divorce for quick economic gains.