the process of obtaining a Muslim Marriage Certificate in Bangladesh is governed by the meticulous guidelines outlined in the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Regulations of 2009.
This legal framework ensures that marriages are officially recognized and individuals enjoy the associated rights and privileges.
Marriage Certificate BD
A marriage certificate is an essential legal document that officially validates a marriage between two individuals.
In Bangladesh, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate is governed by the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Rules 2009.
This set of rules outlines the procedures, eligibility criteria, required documents, and associated fees for acquiring a marriage certificate.
What is a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is a legal document that formally recognizes the marital union between two individuals. It serves as proof of marriage and is crucial for various legal and administrative purposes.
The Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Rules-2009 in Bangladesh regulate the issuance and management of marriage certificates.
Necessity for a Marriage Certificate
Having a marriage certificate is essential for several reasons:
- Legal Recognition: A marriage certificate legally recognizes the union, providing protection and rights to both parties.
- Administrative Purposes: It is required for official transactions, such as applying for passports, visas, and other government-related services.
- Inheritance and Property Rights: The certificate is crucial for establishing inheritance and property rights in case of the death of one spouse.
How to Get a Marriage Certificate in Bangladesh?
The process of obtaining a marriage certificate in Bangladesh involves several steps:
Advisory Committee Approval
- Form an Advisory Committee based on the location (City Corporation or areas outside the City Corporation).
- Committee members include officials like the Deputy Commissioner, District Registrar, Commissioner, Councilor, etc.
Duties and Functions of Advisory Committee
- The committee approves the license of the Marriage Registrar and submits a panel of candidates to the government for approval.
- Performs other functions as per the rules and provides advice to the government when necessary.
License Eligibility and Application
- Applicants must meet specific qualifications, including holding an Alim certificate, being aged between 21 and 40, and not being a resident of the concerned area.
Application Submission
- Apply for a marriage registrar’s license along with the required documents to the secretary of the Advisory Committee.
License Form and Fees
- The marriage registrar’s license is provided on Form ‘L,’ and fees vary based on the location (City Corporation or areas outside).
Annual Fee Payment
- Marriage registrars must pay an annual fee by March 31st each year, the amount depending on their location.
Cancellation or Suspension of License
- The license may be canceled or suspended for misconduct, and the government must provide notice and reasons before taking any action.
Termination of License on Completion of Age
- The license automatically terminates when the Nikah Registrar reaches the age of 65 unless revoked earlier.
Eligibility to Get a Marriage Certificate
To be eligible for a marriage certificate in Bangladesh, individuals must meet the criteria outlined in Rule 8 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Rules 2009.
This includes holding an Alim certificate, being within the age range of 21 to 40, and not being a resident of the area concerned.
Required Documents for Getting a Marriage Certificate
When applying for a marriage certificate, certain documents are required, including three passport-sized photos, a verified copy of the educational qualification certificate, and a national identity card or citizenship certificate issued by the relevant authority.
Marriage Registration Application Form PDF
The application form for a marriage certificate is available in PDF format and is specified as Form ‘K.’
This form must be filled out accurately, providing all necessary details, and accompanied by the required documents.
Marriage Registration Fee in Bangladesh
The cost associated with obtaining a Marriage Certificate in Bangladesh is outlined in the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Regulations of 2009.
This cost comprises two main components: the License Acquisition Fee and the Annual Fee.
License Acquisition Fee
City Corporation Area
- Fee: BDT 10,000 (Ten Thousand Taka)
Areas Outside the City Corporation
- In Municipal Areas within District Headquarters: BDT 2,000 (Two Thousand Taka)
- Outside District Headquarters but Within Municipal Areas: BDT 700 (Seven Hundred Taka)
- In Union Parishad Areas: BDT 500 (Five Hundred Taka)
The License Acquisition Fee is a one-time payment made during the application process for the Marriage Registrar’s license. The amount varies based on the location, with higher fees applicable in City Corporation areas.
Annual Fee
According to Regulation 7 of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Regulations 2009, every Marriage Registrar is obligated to pay an Annual Fee to the government treasury or sub-treasury.
This fee must be settled by March 31st of each year. The Annual Fees are as follows:
City Corporation Area
- BDT 5,000 (Five Thousand Taka)
Municipal Areas Within District Headquarters
- BDT 1,000 (One Thousand Taka)
Outside District Headquarters but Within Municipal Areas
- BDT 500 (Five Hundred Taka)
Union Parishad Areas
- BDT 100 (One Hundred Taka)
Penalties If the Fee Is Not Provided
If a Marriage Registrar fails to provide the required fee, it is essential to follow specific procedures outlined by the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Regulations of 2009.
Non-compliance with the fee payment obligations can result in serious consequences, including the risk of contravening the established rules.
Failure to pay the Annual Fee as per the provisions of sub-rule (1) is considered a contravention of the rules.
This emphasizes the importance of timely and regular payment to maintain the validity of the Marriage Registrar’s license.
FAQs For Muslim Marriage Certificate in Bangladesh
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers for additional information.
Why is a Marriage Certificate necessary?
A Marriage Certificate is essential for legal recognition of the marital union. It is required for various administrative purposes such as obtaining passports, and visas, and establishing inheritance and property rights.
How can I obtain a Marriage Certificate in Bangladesh?
To obtain a Marriage Certificate, you need to follow the procedures outlined in the Muslim Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Regulations.
This includes forming an Advisory Committee, meeting eligibility criteria, submitting required documents, and paying the prescribed fees.
What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Marriage Certificate?
Eligibility criteria include holding an Alim certificate, being aged between 21 and 40, and not being a resident of the area concerned.
Detailed qualifications are outlined in Rule 8 of the Regulations.
What documents are required for a Marriage Certificate application?
Necessary documents include three passport-sized photos, a verified copy of the educational qualification certificate, and a national identity card or citizenship certificate issued by the relevant authority. Refer to Rule 9 for details.
Is there an application form for the Marriage Certificate?
Yes, the application form, specified as Form ‘K,’ is required for the Marriage Certificate application. It must be submitted to the secretary of the Advisory Committee along with the supporting documents.
What happens after filling out the Marriage Certificate application form?
After filling out the form, the application is submitted to the Advisory Committee for consideration. The committee then presents a panel of candidates to the government for approval, as per Rule 6.
What are the costs associated with obtaining a Marriage Certificate?
The costs include a License Acquisition Fee, varying based on the location (City Corporation or areas outside), and an Annual Fee, which depends on the administrative tier of the area.
What if the Annual Fee is not paid?
Failure to pay the Annual Fee, as per the provisions of the Regulations, is considered a contravention of the rules.
In such cases, the government issues a notice to the Marriage Registrar, outlining the reasons and providing a 15-day notice period for response.
Can a Marriage Certificate be canceled or suspended?
Yes, a Marriage Certificate can be canceled or suspended for misconduct or other reasons specified in Section 11 of the law.
The government follows a specific procedure, providing a notice and allowing the Marriage Registrar to respond before taking any action.
Final Thoughts
Navigating through the steps, from forming Advisory Committees to meeting eligibility criteria, submitting documents, and paying the prescribed fees, is crucial for a seamless application process.
The importance of adhering to these regulations cannot be overstated, as the Marriage Certificate holds significant legal and administrative value.
