Abstract

Women are the most vulnerable group in respect of violence in Bangladesh. They are tortured in many ways among which dowry is one of them. Dowry is one kind of domestic violence in Bangladesh. Domestic violence Is that kind of violence which is committed against a woman by her near and dear relations. At present dowry is universal among all communities of Bangladesh but it is not possible to find out when and where the custom of dowry was first started: Dowry is essentially a part of Hindu tradition. The dowry system is not recognised in the religion or the law of the Muslim societies but has taken roots into it. Islamic law provides dower to enhance the position of women. But unfortunately, Muslim women who are supposed to be protected by dower, become victims of dowry. The demand for dowry and pressure for further dowry plays an imporlant role in understanding and addressing the issue of marital violence. Millions of women in Bangladesh are facing serious harassment due to unfulfilled demand of dowry.
Though this custom is illegal to practice under the statutory laws, this malpractice is still going on in Bangladesh. A research conducted by United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on the system of dowry in Bangladesh revealed that due to dowry, at least 50% of the married women become victim of physical or psychological violence. So, necessary steps should be taken to remove dowry problem in Bangladesh.ta