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Talaq Notice in Bangladesh – Legal Procedure, Format & Importance (2025)

What Is a Talaq Notice?

A Talaq Notice is a formal, written legal notification required under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 in Bangladesh to formalize a divorce (Talaq).
It is a mandatory document through which a person divorcing their spouse—typically the husband, or the wife if she has been delegated the right of divorce (Talaq-e-Tafweez)—officially informs both the other spouse and the local government authority (the Chairman of the Union Parishad or the Mayor of the Municipality/City Corporation) about the pronouncement of divorce.

This legal requirement transforms what was once an instantaneous Islamic divorce into a regulated and procedural system in Bangladesh. The notice ensures that the divorce follows proper steps, allows time for possible reconciliation, and provides both parties with legal protection and documentation.

Legal Basis of the Talaq Notice in Bangladesh

The Talaq process is governed by Section 7 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.
This law clearly states that:

1. A divorce (Talaq) is not valid unless a written notice is served to the Chairman (or Mayor) and a copy is sent to the spouse.
2. Upon receiving the notice, the Chairman must form an Arbitration Council within 30 days to attempt reconciliation.
3. The Talaq only becomes legally effective 90 days after the notice is received—or after the end of pregnancy if the wife is pregnant.
4. Failure to issue this notice is a punishable offense under Bangladeshi law.

Why the Talaq Notice Is Important in Bangladesh

The Talaq Notice plays a vital role both legally and socially, ensuring fairness, documentation, and due process.

1. Legal Validity of Divorce

Under Bangladeshi law, a divorce is not recognized unless a written notice is properly issued to the relevant authority and the spouse.
Courts have firmly established the principle of “no notice, no Talaq.”
This means a mere verbal declaration or informal writing is legally ineffective.

2. Mandatory Reconciliation Process

Once the Chairman receives the Talaq Notice, he is required by law to establish an Arbitration Council within 30 days.
This council includes representatives from both the husband’s and wife’s sides and serves to attempt reconciliation between the parties.

This step offers a final opportunity to save the marriage before the divorce becomes irreversible.

3. Legally Defined Waiting Period (Iddat)

The Talaq does not become effective immediately after the pronouncement or the delivery of the notice.
It becomes effective only after:

• 90 days from the date the notice is received by the Chairman, or
• After the end of the wife’s pregnancy, if she is pregnant at that time.
• This period, known as the Iddat, serves two main purposes:
• It allows time for reconciliation and reconsideration.
• It ensures clarity regarding paternity if pregnancy exists.

4. Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failing to issue a written Talaq Notice as per Section 7 of the Ordinance is a criminal offense.
The husband may face:

1. Simple imprisonment up to one year,
2. A fine, or
3. Both.

This strict penalty ensures that the divorce process is not abused and remains under proper legal supervision.

5. Protection of Rights and Legal Record

The Talaq Notice also safeguards the rights of both spouses.
It ensures that:

The dower (Mahr) and maintenance during the Iddat period are properly addressed. There is an official record of the divorce for registration under the Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act, 1974. Both parties can later produce legal evidence of the divorce for inheritance, remarriage, or documentation purposes.

Sample Talaq Notice Format (Bangladesh)

Below is a simple, legally acceptable Talaq Notice format:

From:
Name: [Full Name of Husband]
Address: [Full Address]
National ID No.: [XXXXXXXXXX]

To:
Name: [Full Name of Wife]
Address: [Full Address]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Subject: Notice of Divorce under Section 7 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961

Dear Madam,

I, [Husband’s Name], hereby declare that I have pronounced Talaq upon you in accordance with Islamic Shariah and the laws of Bangladesh.
This notice is being submitted to the Chairman/Mayor as required under Section 7 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.

I am willing to cooperate with the Arbitration Council during the 90-day period prescribed by law.

Sincerely,
Signature: ___________________
(Husband’s Signature)

Procedure for Sending a Talaq Notice

• The notice must be in written form.
• It must be addressed to the Chairman of the Union Parishad (or Mayor of Municipality/City Corporation).
• A copy must be delivered to the spouse (the wife).
• The Chairman forms an Arbitration Council within 30 days of receiving the notice.
• The Talaq becomes effective 90 days after the notice is received if no reconciliation occurs.

When Does the Divorce Become Effective?

90 days after the notice reaches the Chairman (if no reconciliation happens). After pregnancy ends, if the wife is pregnant at the time of notice.

Example:
If the notice was issued on January 1, the Talaq becomes effective on April 1 (after 90 days).

Where to Get the Talaq Notice Form

You can collect an official Talaq Notice Form from your local Union Parishad, Municipal Office, or City Corporation. Alternatively, you can prepare your own written notice following the above format. Some information and registration details are also available at bris.lgd.gov.bd.

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

A Talaq Notice is far more than a formality — it is the legal foundation of divorce under Muslim law in Bangladesh. By following the proper process—written notification, arbitration, and the 90-day waiting period—both spouses ensure that the divorce is valid, fair, and legally recognized. This system protects the rights of both husband and wife, encourages reconciliation, and maintains transparency in one of life’s most sensitive legal matters.