Abstract
Domestic violence in its serious manifestation with dowry is one of the leading causes of torture to women in Bangladesh.’ Women’s dignity as core value of human rights law is deeply entrenched in numerous international instruments under which Bangladesh assumes affirmative obligations to respect and ensure this right. Quite consistent with these obligations, safeguard from torture is repeatedly affirmed in a series of legislations in Bangladesh. The Dowry Prohibition Act, for example, was enacted in 1980 to exclusively deal with dowry and to outlaw dowry with a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. Despite the fact, dowry-related cruelty becomes endemic in the country.