Rangpur Bride Abandoned After Alleged Dowry Demand Sparks Investigation
A wedding celebration in Rangpur’s Badarganj upazila descended into chaos and public humiliation Sunday night after a groom failed to appear for the ceremony, prompting the bride’s family to file a formal complaint with local authorities.
According to the bride’s father, elaborate preparations—including the construction of a decorated pavilion and a full-scale feast for guests—were already underway when the groom’s family allegedly issued a last-minute demand. The family claims the groom’s side insisted on an 800,000-taka dowry, comprising 500,000 taka in cash and an additional 300,000 taka for home furnishings. When the bride’s family refused to meet the financial ultimatum, the groom’s party canceled their arrival, leaving the bride and her guests stranded.
The bride’s father, who submitted a written complaint to the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner and the Taraganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Monday, expressed deep distress over the social stigma now facing his family. He stated that his daughter had already completed pre-wedding rituals, making the sudden cancellation a source of profound public embarrassment.
However, the groom’s family has categorically denied the allegations of dowry extortion. Speaking to *Prothom Alo*, the groom’s father claimed that the conflict stemmed from a disagreement over the *denmohor*, or dower. He asserted that while his family had requested a 100,000-taka dower, the bride’s family insisted on 500,000 taka, which led to the groom’s refusal to attend the ceremony. He added that his family remains open to providing compensation to the bride’s side to resolve the matter.
Taraganj UNO Monabber Hossain confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter has been referred to the local Union Parishad chairman for investigation. Union Parishad Chairman Kumaresh Roy noted that he has begun mediating between the two parties and expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached shortly.
Under the Dowry Prohibition Act of 2018, demanding dowry—either directly or indirectly—is a punishable offense in Bangladesh. Those found guilty face a prison term ranging from one to five years, a fine of up to 50,000 taka, or both.
