<i>Couple revolt against fatwa, 3 arrested</i>
Gaibandha police yesterday arrested three people for allegedly issuing fatwa (religious edict) against a family at Khorda Malibari village in Sadar upazila declaring them social outcasts.
Police said Naya Mia,40, of Khorda Malibari village in Malibari union married Jahanara Begum,35 of the same village more than 15 years ago. The couple were blessed with two daughters-- Nayan Tara,12, and Loveli Khatun,7. On September 2, Jahanara Begum divorced her husband Naya Mia verbally in the heat of the argument during a family feud.
Later the couple cooled down and realised their folly. They decided to remarry again for the sake of their children's future. Accordingly, they got married by affidavit before a notary public on November 1.
But the so-called leaders of the community took the matter seriously and a few days after the remarriage they set up an arbitration meeting and beat up Naya Mia his and Jahanara's 'anti-religious' act.
The meeting declared the marriage illegal as per Islamic law and compelled Jahanara Begum and her mother Saleha Begum to pronounce towba (apology to the Almighty) and asked the couple to live separately.
Naya Mia and Jahanara Begum, however, stood firm against the fatwa and began to stay together, ignoring the verdict of the arbitration.
At this, the infuriated local leaders held another meeting after jumma prayers on November 18. They declared the marriage illegal and made the family members social outcasts. Those who addressed the meeting are Nazrul Islam, Mozammel Huq, Amir Hossain Momsel Ali, Ali Hossain and Dudu Munshi.
"The local mosque authorities refuse to receive anything from us. We are not allowed to enter any house in the locality and nobody can visit us", said Saleha Begum.
Following the filing of a complaint by Naya Mia, a contingent of police from Sadar PS raided the village and arrested Nazrul Islam, Mozammel Haque and Amir Hossain.
Sensing police presence, the others involved in fatwa fled the area.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments