In Rajshahi, a government-appointed Nikah Registrar (Kazi), Makaddem Hossain, was arrested on July 24 following serious allegations of physical assault and fraud brought by a woman who had approached the court seeking justice.
The incident occurred on the premises of the Rajshahi Court, where the woman reported being deceived and assaulted by two brothers, Makaddem and Mofazzal Hossain, both working as marriage registrars. According to her complaint, she had been misled into what she believed was a valid marriage with one of the brothers, only to later discover that the marriage had never been legally registered. When she attempted to claim her legally owed mahr (marital payment) of 3.8 million BDT, the brothers resisted and tried to pressure her into accepting a reduced amount.
The confrontation escalated in public view on court grounds. Witnesses confirmed that after the woman, visibly distressed, kicked Makaddem out of frustration, he retaliated by kicking her in the stomach and verbally assaulting her with vulgar, obscene language. Mofazzal stood by and did nothing to intervene. The assault took place in a space that should have ensured her safety. That night, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officials arrested Makaddem from Rajshahi’s Dibash Road area. The woman has since provided a sworn statement before the court under Section 164. Authorities have stated that both brothers are connected to multiple fraud cases involving fake marriage registrations and the exploitation of women. Investigations are ongoing.
This case has sparked renewed calls for stronger institutional protections for women navigating legal and religious systems, where power imbalances and patriarchal authority are often used against them.
Source: Prothom Alo
Reporting Date: 25th July 2025
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