Part-1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction:
Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the final termination of a marital union,
canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the
matrimony between the parties (unlike annulment, which declares the marriage null and
void). Divorce laws vary considerably around the world, but in most countries it requires
the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process. The legal process of divorce
may also involve issues of alimony (spousal support), child custody, child
support, distribution of property, and division of debt.

When the problems between husband and wife reach towards a devastating situation, the
divorce happens. Then after the breaking up of marriage some urgent tasks confront
everyone in the family- husband, wife, children and kinfolk. They must adjust to the new
unexpected situation and try to make the future life easy. But most of the cases women
comparatively have to face serious difficulty.

1.2 Necessity of this report:

By this report we can concern people about the impacts of divorce in our society though
divorce is legal almost in all country or state. People are now more likely to get
separated but they don’t think that their decision have a great impact on our human
society. So this report will influence them to think again about their opinion in getting or
giving divorce and it can help them to understand the value of marriage bonding in our
society.

1.3 Rationale:
Divorce has become a major issue in our society. Almost in all country or society divorce
is legal but we have to try to avoid divorce. People can get divorce only when they find
that they cannot live together any longer. Consequences of divorce will have impact on
children, family, and the community or society. So we think that we should inform the
people what are the impact of divorce in our human society as well as how we can
reduce the rate of divorce in our society. That’s why we have chosen this concept as our
report topic.

1.4 Objectives:

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Divorce has become a major issue in our society. Consequences of divorce will have on
children, family, and the community or society. So, we think we should make the laws
harder to get a divorce to avoid negative consequences of divorce on society:

There are some objectives particularly broad and specific objectives:

Broad Objectives: Broad objective of this report is to concern the people

about the divorce and its impact on human society.

 To acquire practical knowledge.

 To develop research skill.
 To get the general idea about divorce.
 To gather working experience.

Specific Objectives: Specific objective of this report is to impart specific

detail information and knowledge of divorce and its impact on human society of
Bangladesh.

 To establish a national goal of reducing divorce.

 To establish pro-marriage demonstration programs.
 Promote community wide marriage programs.
 Make the covenant marriage option available to engaged couples.
 To know the elimination all forms of violence against marriage.
 Rebuild the laws system for gathering statistics on marriage and divorce.
 To examine the cause of divorce.
 To know what way are children divorce family affected.

1.5 Methodology:
The study uses both primary data and secondary data. The report is divided into two
parts. One part is the theoretical part and the other part is the practical part. The
information for the theoretical part of the report was collected from secondary sources
like books, published reports and web sites. To furnish solution of the problem we will
analyze recommendations made by different study groups and also by law commission.

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The information for the Project “Divorce & its impact on human society” was collected
from primary and secondary sources.

1.6 Scope of the study:

The study was done in Uttara, sector-10. The research will deal to identify how divorce can be
reduced from Bangladesh. This research project will focus on the performance of the country
laws and the strategy to get the divorce. Divorce can create a huge effect on children, adults,
business, country and society.

i. Impact on children: The failure to protect our most vulnerable citizens—children

—is a national crisis. Over one million children are affected by divorce each year.
ii. Impact on adults: Married people live longer, happier, healthier lives. Married
people are safer. Married people are wealthier. Married men earn more than single men
with similar schooling and job histories.

iii. Impact on Government: From cities and counties, to states, to the entire nation,
taxpayers are forced to pick up the enormous cost when families break down and become
less able to care for themselves or to watch over their children. Well-intentioned
government programs often subsidize destructive behavior and contribute to the decline
of marriage.
iv. Impact on Business: Happily married employees are healthier, have stronger
immune systems, and handle stress better. Employees with healthy marriages tend to
boost not only productivity and profits, but also company morale. They are more loyal,
stable, dependable and motivated.
v. Impact on Social Life: Every society has always had its own views on divorce.
Divorce can create a huge effect on social life of a divorcee. In some countries, familial
and social opinions are highly stressed upon. People think that one shouldn't break the
bond of family ties which comprise the first and the most vital prerequisite for a healthy
society. Economic hardship also increases due to divorce.

It is high time now that the society itself must do something to preserve the sanctity of marriage.
If the pace of divorce continues to increase at such an alarming rate, and then the society itself
would be adulterated. And people would lose faith in the stability of love, marriage and long
lasting relationships. And life would be far more stressful than it is now.

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1.7 Limitation of the study:
As it is my first research there may have been faults in the reports. During fieldwork of
this report some obstacles have come across, which can be termed as the limitation of the
study, these reasons did not allow this report to go in depth of issues hence several parts
of the report is not concentrated. Therefore the limitations that were faced:

o All respondents were not equally spontaneous in responding.

o Time Constraints.
o Lack of practical experience.
o Limitation of suitable place.
o Lack of enough help.

1.8 Secondary Information:

1.8.1 Divorce cases filed:

1. Across six divisions of Bangladesh and from March 1995 to March 2013, the total
number of divorce cases filed was a staggering number of 1730. Out of all the divisions,
Dhaka stands at the top in witnessing the maximum separations taking place. In Dhaka
alone, the numbers stand at 1,730, Chittagong has had about 137 cases, 101 applicants
in Barisal, 72 in Khulna, 48 in Sleet and only 1 in Rajshahi. 1

2. Sociologists know little about the effects on children younger than two or three years
of age. Children from age range from 3–5 years old may often mistake the divorce of
their parents as their own fault. Older children experience feelings of anger, grief, and
embarrassment.2

3. After partition of India in 1947, the word “Indian” was omitted from the Act by an
amendment in 1949 (A-O 1949 sch) and the law stood as the Divorce Act, 1869(Act IV of
1869). After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the Divorce Act, 1869 continued
to remain in force with necessary amendments by Act VIII of 1973 with effect. From the
26th day of March 1971.3

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1.8.2 A view of Divorce rate:

• In 2008, there were 2.1 million marriages and approximately 1 million divorces. (U.S.
Bureau of the Census, 2008)

• 23.2 million Americans— about 9.8% of the U.S. population — are currently divorced.

(U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2009)

• People marrying today have a 40-50% chance of divorcing. Statistically, 40% of first

marriages 60% of second, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. (U.S. Bureau of the
Census, 2006 Popenoe & Whitehead, 2010)

• About 75% of those who divorce will eventually remarry. (U.S. Bureau of the Census,
2008)

•Of the marriages that survive divorce, the quality of some of those may be poor.
(Popenoe &Whitehead, 2010)

• After 10 years of marriage, it is predicted that only 25% of couples will still be happily
married (Popenoe & Whitehead, 2010)

• Most divorces involve children, and more than 1 million children are affected by
divorce each year. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2008)

• Approximately 40% of children will experience divorce before adulthood (Amato,

2007)

• Women are more likely than men to file for divorce.

• Most adults adjust well to divorce over time. 30% feel their lives were negatively
impacted (Popenoe & Whitehead, 20108

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1.8.3 World map on divorce

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1.8.4 Top twenty Countries with Highest Divorce Rates per Capita:

SL NO. Country Rate

1. Belarus 68%

2. Russian 65%

3. Sweden 64%

4. Latvia 63%

5. Ukraine 63%

6. Czech 61%

7. Belgium 56%

8. Finland 56%

9. Lithuania 55%

10. UK 53%

11. Moldova 52%

12. USA 49%

13. Hungary 46%

14. Canada 45%

15. Norway 43%

16. France 43%

17. Germany 41%

18. Netherlands 41%

19. Switzerland 40%

20. Iceland 39%

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 Part-2: Divorce Law
under Existing Religion

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2. Divorce Law under Existing Religion:
Divorce is highly discouraged in all the existing religion in Bangladesh such as in law of
Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist. A peculiarity that exists in this country is that
one’s religious rules can be subservient to the secular laws in many aspects of marriage
and divorce. There is no uniformity among different communities on this personal matter.

2.1 Divorces in Muslim Law:

In pre-Islamic Arabian society, divorce was considered as the absolute, unlimited and
unilateral right of the husband. However in Islam, modern jurists contend that the
husband cannot exercise the power of Talaq arbitrarily, irrationally or unreasonably.
(Tahir Mahmood, 1982, 114). When divorce becomes permissible, is stated by Allah
Taala in the following ayah. And as for those women, on whose part you fear
stubbornness,(first) admonish them; then refuse to share their beds; and (finally) beat
them (lightly).Then if they return to obedience, do not seek for a wag against them,
indeed, Allah inmost High, Great. And if you fear breach between then two of them,
appoint an arbiter from his family and an arbiter from her family. If they desire to set
things a right, Allah will bring about reconciliation between them; Allah knows, aware.
(4:34-35)

2.1.1 Modes of Dissolution of Muslim Marriage:

The dissolution of marriage tie can take place in the following modes.

 By death of the parties.

 By act of the parties.

2.1.2 By act of the parties:

2.1.2.1 By Act of the Husband:

Only for act of the husband marriage may be dissolved by four ways.

(a)Talaq: Talaq is further divided into two forms. These areTalaq-e Ahsan and Talaq-
e- Hassan. When a husband repudiates his wife by a single pronouncement in a period
of tuhr (Purity i.e. when the wife is free from her menstrual courses) during which he has
not had intercourse with her and leave her to the observance of the iddat period, it will be
executed and will become irrevocable after iddat period. Again when a husband
pronounces Talaq, at the end of tuhr of his wife of onetime and repeatedly after her 2nd

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and 3rd period or tuhr and within this period they become abstain from sexual intercourse
will be irrevocable and executed.

(b) Talaque Bidyat: It is also called bain talaque, which means irrevocable talaq. Under
this form talaq becomes effective immediately after the pronouncement of talaq. As for
example, aman says to his wife. I have given you talaq bain. This talaq is irrevocable and
the husband has no right to retract.

(c) I’la: I’la or vow of continuance: I’la means to swear. Legally speaking,

 I’la means when a husband swears that he will not have sexual intercourse with his wife
and if he abstains from it for four months or more and then Talaq
becomes effective. The Holy Quran states that “Those who forswear their wives must
wait four months; then if they change their mind, lo! Allah is forgiving, merciful”. [Al-
Quran; 2: 226]

(d) Zihar: Zihar means Injurious comparison.The word Zihar ‟ is derived from the word
Zahir” meaning back. Legally, it signifies the act of a husband comparing his wife to any
of his female relations with whom the marriage is prohibited on account of consanguinity
or fosterage. Zihar by itself does not dissolve the marriage, but the wife becomes
unlawful to the husband without expiation.

2.1.2.2 By act of the wife:

 The power to divorce may be delegated to the wife herself or to a third person. This is
called Tafweez. This delegation may be absolutely or conditionally and it may before
once only or for a time or for permanently. [PLd, 1963; Dhaka 602] The power so
19delegated to the wife is irrevocable and it can be exercised even after the institution of
suit against her for restitution of conjugal right. Delegation of power may be given at the
time of marriage or at any time after the marriage contract.

2.1.2.3 By Mutual Consent:

Marriage may also be dissolved by mutual agreement between the parties. These are –  

(a)Khula: Khula signifies an agreement entered into for the purpose of dissolving a

connubial connection in lieu of a compensation paid by the wife to her husband out of
her property. Holy Quran says about khula-“It is not lawful for you (husband) to take
from them (wives) anything of what you have given them: except (in case) when both
fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is not sin for
either of them if she ransoms herself on payment. [Al-Quran, 2:229].

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(b) Mubarat: It is a mode of mutual release or discharge which leaves each party without
any claim upon the other. [Hedaya, p. 116]. Here both parties desire dissolution of
marriage.

2.1.2.4 Dissolution by Judicial Process:

Dissolution of marriage can take place by judicial process in the following cases.

(a)Lion or Imprecation 20It is a mode of dissolution of marriage, which signifies

testimonies confirmed by oath, on the part of a husband and a wife in case of the former
accusing the latter. Holy Quran states and those who accuse their own wives and there is
no witness except they themselves then he should in the name of Allah swear four times
that he is telling the truth and for the fifth time he will say that may Allah’s curse be upon
him if he is false.

And the punishment is warded off from her if she in the name of Allah swears four times
that he is false and for the fifth time she will say that the wrath of Allah be upon her if he
is telling the truth. [Al Quran, 24:6-9].

(b)Fask or judicial Rescission: The wordfask means annulment or abrogation. It comes

from a root, whichmeans the right of Qadi or judge to annul a marriage contract on the
application made bythe wife. It is therefore, the dissolution or recession of the contract of
marriage by judicialdecree.

2.1.2.5 Option of puberty or Khyar-ul-Bulug:

Islam allows a child marriage under the guardianship (waliyat). If the husband or wife
was minor at the time of marriage, he/she can approve or repudiate it after
attaining puberty. This is called option of puberty or Khyar-ul-Bulug.

2.1.2.6 Dissolution on ground of apostasy:

According to Islamic law, an apostasy is a treasonable offence. The marriage of a Muslim

male and female shall stand dissolved on apostasy.

 2.2 Divorces in Hindu Law:

Divorce is not known to the general Hindu law. The reason is that a marriage from the
Hindu point of view creates an indissoluble tie between the husband and the wife. Neither
party therefore, to a marriage can divorce the other unless divorce is allowed by custom.
[Kudomce V Jouceram (1978) 3 cal, 305]. There is no rule of Hindu law which forbids
the subsistence of a marriage. One of the parties to which is a non-Hindu. The law does

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not refuse to recognize a conjugal union merely by reason of a difference of religion.
Manu lay down; neither by sale or desertion can a wife be released from her husband. Let
mutual fidelity till death. [Manu ix 49-101].

2.3 Divorces in Christian Law:

Among Christians also marriage is a sacrament. Jesus proclaimed that husband and wife
are not twain but are one. [Mathew, 19:6]. He prohibited separation which is a logical
corollary of the theory of unity of man and wife. Jesus stated, “I tell you, then that any
man who divorces his wife, even though she has not been unfaithful commits adultery if
he marries some other woman. [Mathew, 19:8, 9]

2.4 Divorces in Buddhist Law: The Buddhist view of marriage considers

marriage a secular affair and as such, it is not considered a sacrament. Buddhists are
expected to follow the civil laws regarding marriage laid out by their respective
governments. Buddhism and all Buddhist cultures have always seen marriage as a
relationship worth maintaining but at the same time they have never had legal restrictions
on divorce. The Kandyan law of Sri Lanka did and still does allow divorce by mutual
consent as did customary law in Burma and Thailand.

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Part-3: Divorce situation
in Bangladesh

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3. Divorce situation in Bangladesh:
3.1 Divorce situation in Bangladesh: policy, laws & procedures:
According to BBS (2011) the divorce rate of male of Bangladesh in 2011 was
0.06%where it is lower than women 0.49%.The process of divorce is very simple in
Bangladesh just in three steps to divorce for both Husband and Wife wanting separation;
i) Giving Notice in written, ii) Facing the Arbitration Board, iii) After expiry of 90 days,
taking a registration certificate from Registrar. The said three steps are also applicable in
case of wife. The wife can file a suit under the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961 for
dower money and maintenance for herself and the children living with her in a family
court which is called civil suit. And section 6 of the Marriages and Divorces
(Registration) Act, 1974 provides that a Nikah registrar may register divorce affected
under Muslim law within his jurisdiction on application being made to him for such
registration. If a notice was served and Talaq was registered in accordance with law
stated above a legal Divorce or Talaq will be executed. Hindu family laws do not permit
divorce under any circumstance though the decision to divorce is mutual. By contrast, in
India, by virtue of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, both the husband as well as the wife
has the right to go to court and seek dissolution of the marriage. Section 13 of the said
Act, the accepted grounds for seeking divorce includes cruelty, adultery, desertion,
insanity or incurable disease and so forth. Section 12 provides the additional ground
available to a wife, that being impotency of the husband and section 13(2)(4) provides
that a Hindu wife can seek divorce on the ground that her marriage was solemnized
before she attained the age of 15 years and she has repudiated the marriage after attaining
that age but before attaining the age of 18 years. Thus, it is quite clear that compared to
India, the law regarding divorce for a Hindu woman in Bangladesh is rife with unfairness
and it requires modernization. Bangladesh Government should enact divorce law for
Hindu husband and woman. There exists another law of divorce in Bangladesh which is
called the Special Marriage Act, 1872. It also covers some marriages. Section 17 of
this Act has mentioned that the Divorce Act, 1869 shall apply to all marriages contracted
under this Act, and any such marriage may be declared null or dissolved in the manner
therein provided, and for the causes therein mentioned, or on the ground that it
contravenes some one or more of the conditions prescribed in clauses (1), (2), (3) or(4) of
section 2 of this Act. The Divorce Act, 1869 contains the dissolution of marriage in
chapter III, nullity of marriage in chapter IV and judicial separation in chapter V. These
laws are applicable for all citizens of Bangladesh. (Bangla News 24, 2011)Again in
Bangladesh divorce and separation are still negative practices. Media reports say there is

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a dramatic increase in divorce rate in Bangladesh. Several reasons exist for this
phenomenon, including extramarital relationship, economic growth, 'marriage migrants',
familial influence, and the wider area of education. Women have become better educated,
and begun enjoying the same opportunities as men, in terms of career development. In
addition, a great number of abused wives decide to leave their husbands, feeling that they
no longer need someone 'stronger' to watch over them. Thus the newer generation sees
things differently. Dr. Mehtab Khanam of the psychology department at Dhaka
University comments, "Women are much more educated than before and are aware of
their rights, so they don't tolerate anything which can affect their self-respect and
dignity." Bangladesh Mohila Parishad president, Advocate Elina Khan, says, "The
divorce rate is increasing as a result of violence against women." She added, "Women are
now educated and self-reliant. They are aware of their rights. If they find anything going
wrong, such as extramarital relationship, they immediately seek relief. This is true even
when it comes to trivial matters. Sociologists and psychologists also express concern over
the rising divorce rate. Professor Moniruzzaman of the Sociology Department at Dhaka
University says it has also been found from newspaper reports that administration
officials of Dhaka City Corporation's 10 zonal offices said that 80 per cent of the divorce
petitions recorded with marriage registrars' offices and courts in the city had been filed by
women alleging extramarital affairs on the part of their husbands, torture by them and
their intolerable behavior. A stunning spectacle can be made out from a report on Dhaka
City Corporation (DCC) Zone-4 between November 2009 and December2010. During
this period, 371 divorce cases were filed, of which 110 were filed by husbands’ and261
by wives. In the same zone in January 2012, the number of divorce cases was 172, of
which59 were filed by men and the rest 113 by women. In the current year, from January
to May, a total of 135 divorce cases were filed, of which 30 were filed by men and 105
by women. But DCC zone-1 shows a different picture. From January 2012 to December
2012, a total of 16,453 divorce cases were filed. Of these, 11,203 were filed by women
and the rest 4,759 by men, according to media reports. Kazi Iqbal Hossain, general
secretary of the Bangladesh Muslim Legal Registration, pointed out that it was the
women, more than men, who are filing divorce notices. He attributed this mainly to
torture by their husbands. He added that a remarkable number of divorce notices have
been issued as a result of extramarital relationship. After being exposed to Western
culture for years, individualism is viewed as 'superior' to the age-old, traditional family
values of the East. In the old days, the husbands may have had extra-marital affairs. In
such cases, the wife not only questioned herself about her own competence as a wife and
a mother, but also felt obliged to keep the matter secret to save her husband's reputation

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and for fear that her intolerance would threaten the marriage. But now women have
become more assertive, straightforward and aware of their self-esteem. (Billah 2013)

3.2 Divorce rate in Bangladesh:

The rising trend of divorce is a global phenomenon. However, for the majority of Asians,
divorce and separation are still negative practices. Media reports say there is a dramatic
increase in divorce rate in Bangladesh. Several reasons exist for this phenomenon,
including extramarital relationship, economic growth, 'marriage migrants', familial
influence, and the wider area of education. Women have become better educated, and
begun enjoying the same opportunities as men, in terms of career development. In
addition, a great number of abused wives decide to leave their husbands, feeling that
they no longer need someone 'stronger' to watch over them. Thus the newer generation
sees things differently.
Sociologists and psychologists also express concern over the rising divorce rate.
Professor Moniruzzaman of the Sociology Department at Dhaka University says it has
also been found from newspaper reports that administration officials of Dhaka City
Corporation's 10 zonal offices said that 80 per cent of the divorce petitions recorded
with marriage registrars' offices and courts in the city had been filed by women alleging
extramarital affairs on the part of their husbands, torture by them and their intolerable
behavior. 

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A stunning spectacle can be made out from a report on Dhaka City Corporation (DCC)
Zone-4 between November 2009 and December 2010. During this period, 371 divorce
cases were filed, of which 110 were filed by husbands and 261 by wives. In the same
zone in January 2012, the number of divorce cases was 172, of which 59 were filed by
men and the rest 113 by women. In the current year, from January to May, a total of
135 divorce cases were filed, of which 30 were filed by men and 105 by women.
But DCC zone-1 shows a different picture. From January 2012 to December 2012, a total
of 16,453 divorce cases were filed. Of these, 11,203 were filed by women and the rest
4,759 by men, according to media reports. 

3.3 Causes of Increasing Divorce rate in Bangladesh:

Causes of increasing divorce rate: Divorce is a complex event that can be viewed from
multiple perspectives. For example, sociological research has focused primarily on
structural and life course predictors of marital disruption, such as social class, race, and
age at first marriage (Bumpass, Martin, & Sweet, 1991; White, 1991). Psychological
research, in contrast, has focused on dimensions of marital interaction, such as conflict
management (Gottman, 1994), or on person-ality characteristics, such as antisocial
behavior or chronic negative affect (Leonard & Roberts, 1998). People’s reasons for
divorcing: Gender, socio-economic status based on research.

a. Gender Compared with men, women tend to monitor their relationships more
closely, become aware of relationship problems sooner, and are more likely to initiate
discussions of relationship problems with their partners(Thompson & Walker,
1991).Men, in contrast, are more likely than women to withdraw from discussions of
relationship problems (Gottman,1994). Perhaps for these reasons, wives are more likely
than husbands to initiate divorce (Albrecht, Bahr, & Goodman, 1983). Given that marital
discord and divorce are gendered experiences, it is not surprising that researchers have
documented differences between men’s and women’s accounts of divorce. For example,
several studies have shown that former wives provide longer and more complex
explanations for their divorces than do former husbands (Levinger, 1966). With respect to
perceived causes of divorce, women appear to be more likely than men to refer to
relational or emotional issues, such as basic unhappiness and incompatibility former
spouses ‘personalities’ and a general lack of love Former wives also are more likely than
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former husbands to refer to a cluster of negative partner behaviors, including physical
abuse, emotional abuse, substance use, going out with “the boys,” and neglect of home
and children. In contrast, men, more often than women, blame the divorce on external
factors, such as work or problems with in-laws (Levinger, 1966). Former husbands also
are more likely to report that they do not know what caused the divorce (Kitson, 1992).

b. Socio economic status:

In addition to gender, SES, usually measured by education and income, has been a focus
of divorce research. Prior studies indicate that education and income facilitate marital
success (Voydanoff, 1991). Education promotes more effective communication between
couples, thus helping them to resolve differences. In contrast, the stress generated by
economic hardship increases disagreements over finances, makes spouses irritable, and
decreases expressions of emotional support. Partly or these reasons, SES is inversely
associated with the risk of divorce (White, 1991). Nevertheless, well-educated
individuals may hold especially high standards for marriage and expect a substantial level
of emotional support, companionship, and personal fulfillment from their spouses.
Because of these high standards, relationship problems may trigger thoughts of divorce
relatively quickly among well-educated individuals. Several studies suggest that SES is
correlated with people reasons for divorce. Kitson (1992) found that high-SES
individuals, following divorce, were more likely to complain about lack of
communication, changes in interests or values, incompatibility, and their ex-spouses
‘self - centeredness. In contrast, low-SES individuals were more likely to complain about
physical abuse, going out with the boys/girls, neglect of household duties, gambling,
criminal activities, financial problems, and employment problems. Similarly, Levinger
(1966) found that low-SES divorced individuals complained about financial problems,
physical abuse, and drinking, whereas high-SES\ divorced individuals complained about
lack of love and excessive demands from their spouses. Goode (1956) found that high
status divorcees tended to report personality problems and conflict over values as reasons
for divorce, whereas low status divorcees tended to report lack of economic support from
their former husbands. These results suggest that as SES increases, individuals are less
likely to report instrumental reasons and more likely to report expressive and
relationship-centered reasons.

c. Life course variables:

The life course perspective (Elder, 1994), with its emphasis on the timing and duration of
events, incorporates factors such as age at marriage, duration of marriage, and the
presence of children. With respect to age at marriage, individuals who marry at younger

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ages tend to report more marital problems and experience a greater risk of divorce than
individuals who marry at older ages(Bumpass et al., 1991). The negative consequences of
marrying at an early age may be due to psychological immaturity, unstable employment,
and a truncated spousal-search process. With respect to du- ration of marriage, divorces
occur more often in the early rather than the later years of marriage (White, 1991).
Becker (1991) argued that people generally have imperfect information about their
partners during courtship but learn substantially more about their spouses after marriage.
Consequently early divorces are disproportionately due to the discovery of basic
incompatibility, conflict in values, and personality clashes. Nevertheless, couples in
marriages of long duration face challenges (such as raising children, boredom with the
relationship, and gradually diverging interests and attitudes) that differ from those of
individuals in marriages of short duration. Indeed, studies have shown that marital
duration is associated with long-term declines in marital happiness. Are life course
variables associated with the perceived causes of divorce? Kitson (1992) found that
individuals who married at a young age were more likely to report difficulties in “settling
down,” such as going out with the boys/girls and infidelity. In addition, Kitson (1992)
noted that people married for a longer time were more likely to mention changes in
interests or having “no sense of family,” whereas people married for a shorter time were
more likely to mention in-laws or sexual problems. Goode’s (1956) research revealed that
complaints of infidelity, drinking, and the general quality of home life increased with
duration of marriage, whereas complaints about personality and value conflict decreased.
Bloom et al. (1985) found a positive correlation between length of marriage and
infidelity. Although the underlying pattern is not entirely clear, it appears that long-term
marriages are especially likely to be disrupted when people seek out new sexual partners
(perhaps out of boredom) or become aware of changes in themselves or their partners due
to the passage of time. Reasons for divorce in modern days: Relationships have become
complex in the modern days. ‘Marriage’ which once said that ‘made in heaven‘ failed to
bring heavenly joy among modern couples. Compatibility and mutual understanding is
the major problem which modern couples are facing in these days. Shift in the role and
responsibility of the parents bringing lot of tensions in the family system. Children who
grow up in such negative atmosphere have lot of effects. Heated tensions, unfulfilled
desires and misunderstandings will lead the couples to end their relationships. Break ups
have become so common and the divorce rate has been increasing tremendously.

3.4 General Reasons for divorce:

1. Infidelity: Mutual trust is the base of most of the relationships. Relationships do break
up when either of the partners deceive to other. Infidelity is the important reason for

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divorce. When partners become unfaithful to one another the relationship will end up and
divorce become the solution to enjoy legal freedom.

2. Young age: Marriage at a very young age increases the likelihood of divorce,
especially in the early years of marriage. Those who marry in their teens have much
higher divorce rates by about age 21 or 22, however, that risk goes down dramatically.

3. Less education: Researchers have estimated that individuals who have some college
education (vs. not finishing high school) have a lower chance of divorce.

4. Less income: Closely related to education is income. Researchers have estimated that
individuals with annual incomes of more than $50,000 have a lower chance of divorce
(compared to individuals with annual incomes less than $25,000).

 (Roberts 2000)

5. Communication breakdown: Lack of communication creates lot of gaps among

couples. Such gaps lead to lot of misunderstandings between them. Communication
problem is not because they can’t express their feelings to one another. The ‘ego’ stops
them to be open up to one other. If they don’t speak for a longer time that stops two ways
communication then there is a danger of ending their relationship.

6. Physical, emotional & psychological abuse:

 Any abuse brings lot of pain in all the relationships. Marriage is the bond which is
completely made up of mutual dependencies and expectations. Physical, including
bullying, manhandling, or violence is quite unbearable and has clear grounds for divorce.
Emotional or psychological abuse hurts the emotions of a partner and the chances are
very less to stay back with an abusive person.

7. Sexual Incompatibility: Sexual act contributes a lot to the successful marital life.
Physical bond is necessary to build a strong emotional bond with the respective partner.
Feel of satisfaction brings each other’s closer and avoids lot of complexities. Sexual often
leads to frustration leading to separation and divorce. Sexual and reproductive
incompatibility could be the top of the reasons for divorce. But if the sexual drives of
both partners are totally out of synchronization then it is better take any psychological or
medical help.

8. Boredom: Couples often get bored off from their monotonous lifestyle. While
compatible couples stay together at such times, some couples get disinterested, grow
distantly and eventually fall apart. Trying new things, like eating out, watching movie,

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traveling to exotic places can shift their life to the right track. Keeping the spirit of life is
not an easy thing at all. Active participation in different activities makes them to
understand each other’s interests in better terms. When partner respect others interest that
automatically brings lot of joy at the two ends.

3.5 Consequences of divorce:

1. Increased risk of poverty: We have already seen that poverty increases the risk of
divorce. In turn, divorce also increases the risk of poverty for a large proportion of
women and their children (Finnie,1993). Rotermann (2007) found that, within two years
after a separation/divorce, 43% of women had experienced a decrease in household
income compared to 15% of men. In contrast, 29% of men and only 9% of women had
experienced an increase. Even three years after divorce, women’s household income
remains far below what it had been during marriage and far below their ex-husbands’
current income. However, as more women are employed and earn better salaries, this
income decline is less painful than before, even though it is still evident. Ex-husbands,
compared to ex-wives, are less likely to be poor because their income is generally higher,
they do not have full care of their children with all the attendant expenses, and their child
support payments are usually not crippling. Nevertheless, in a decade when most families
have two bread winners, men who divorce lose far more economically than in the past,
especially those married to a high-earning wife. As child support payments become better
enforced, economic factors may contribute in the long run to dissuade some men from
ending their marriage. For families already burdened by poverty, once separation takes
place, the mother and child unit often becomes even poorer. The younger the children are
at the time of parental divorce or common-law dissolution, the more likely they are to be
poor, as they have younger parents who typically earn less. On average, single parents
who are poor have an income that is 40% below the poverty line. This is dire poverty.
Another way of looking at this is to consider single-mother families. According to the
Vanier Institute of the Family (2004), 35% of all female lone-parent families lived in
poverty while many more hovered just one precarious step above. Canada, the U.S., and
England are the three western countries in which single-parent families experience
elevated poverty rates and where a vast difference exists between the incomes of single-
and two-parent families.

2. Increased risk of problems for children of divorced parents: In a nutshell, although

most children do not experience serious developmental problems as a result of divorce or
separation, divorce is certainly a strong risk factor and a source of stressors. Divorce is,
above all, an emotionally painful transition and, as Kelly and Emery (2003:359) point

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out, it can “create lingering feelings of sadness, longing, worry, and regret that coexist
with competent psychological and social functioning.” Although average differences are
not huge (Furstenbergand Kiernan, 2001), children whose parents are divorced (and even
after they are remarried or re-partnered) are more likely than children whose parents
remain together to:

• suffer from depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders;

• Exhibit behavioral problems including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, fighting, and

hostility;

• become young offenders;

• do less well in school and remain in school for a shorter period of time; 

• Children experience more relationship problems, in part due to their behavioral

problems. Finally, adults whose parents divorced during their childhood and teen years,
compared to adults from intact two-parent families (Martin et al., 2005), tend to:

• have a child out of wedlock more often, particularly during adolescence;

• achieve lower educational levels; 

• be more often unemployed and do less well economically;

• have more marital problems and divorce more;

• are more likely to have lost contact with their father and to report less happy childhood
Differences by age and sex in children’s adjustment to divorce:

Research results are not entirely consistent. Girls adapt generally better to divorce
although not necessarily to the remarriage or re-partnering of a custodial mother. There
is, however, a wide diversity of adaptation levels depending on the child’s personality
and family circumstances. The same applies in terms of age. On the one hand, very small
children may not note the absence of a parent they have rarely seen; if the mother who
has always been their primary caretaker functions well, they will not be significantly
affected. They will also adapt better to a parental remarriage. On the other hand, children
between 4 and 10 years of age may be the most negatively affected because they are not
mature enough to understand their loss and their changing family circumstances. They
may even blame themselves for the divorce. Moreover, when poverty is present, these
young children are likely to be even more affected than adolescents, particularly in terms
of their intellectual development (Strohschein et al., 2009). Indeed, the research clearly

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indicates that poverty during the early childhood years hinders cognitive and verbal
development and consequently delays small children’s adaptation into kindergarten.
Many of these children arrive in Grade 1 unprepared to learn and a cycle of educational
failure begins. In contrast, a child who becomes poor during adolescence may already
have a solid foundation on which to build success in the educational system. Even so,
older children can also be significantly affected by the five main sources of negative
outcomes discussed earlier. For adolescents, a particularly difficult situation arises when
the custodial parent loses the opportunity of communicating with and supervising them.
Adolescence is already an age when opportunities to engage in risk behaviors abound and
a youth who is bereft of parental support may more easily succumb to detrimental peer
pressures. School work may suffer accordingly. Adolescent girls, whose parents have
separated, are at higher risk than others of becoming sexually active and pregnant (Wu,
1996). This risk is further elevated when their custodial mother is openly active sexually.

3.6 Consequences of parental remarriage on children:

1. A custodial mother’s remarriage helps the family financially and may be very good for
her in terms of happiness (Morrison and Ritualo, 2000). In turn, improved finances and
maternal well-being may benefit children.

2. Children benefit when their non-resident parent, generally their father, remains

involved in their lives as an active parent and not just a “Sunday daddy”.

 3. Younger children usually adapt better, especially when they have always known the
step parent. Many children and adolescents have a close relationship with their resident
stepfather and this relates to better outcomes, especially when they also maintain a
supportive relationship with their non-resident father (King, 2006). Many boys are
advantaged by the addition of an authoritative (not to be confused with authoritarian)
adult male role model in the family. Even small children benefit when a resident step
father is involved with them yet, on some measures, young stepchildren still far less well
than other children 

4. Results are mixed regarding gender-based outcomes among stepchildren (Kirby,

2006). For instance, girls who had a close relationship with their mother may resent what
they consider to be “the intruder.” In my research, some women students admitted having
purposely destroyed their mother’s remarriage by becoming horrendous and behaving
badly toward the new husband Girls are also more likely to be sexually abused by their
stepfathers or mothers’ boyfriends than by their own fathers (Giles-Sims, 1997). For their

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part, boys tend, in adolescence, to spend less time at home which may in itself lead to
risk-taking behavior and even delinquency.

5. We have already mentioned that older adolescents and young adults tend to leave
home earlier once their custodial parent remarries. This may be a result of conflict with
the stepparent, or because the new couple makes them feel like intruders, or because they
are subtly or not so subtly encouraged to leave.

6. Studies of young adults whose custodial parent’s remarriage has endured have shown
that these. Offspring were strongly attached to their reconstituted family and benefited
emotionally from it. It is thus possible that some of the positive effects of a parent’s good
remarriage do not appear until later in adulthood.

7. Recent research indicates that new children born to blended families may have more
problems than children living with their still-married parents (Halpern-Meekin and Tach,
2008).

8. Children in a remarriage, whether they are stepchildren or a new child born to the
remarriage, have on average less positive outcomes than children whose parents have
never divorced (Halpern-Meekin and Tach, 2008).

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Part-4: Survey Analysis

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4.1 Hypothesis Development:
To consistent with study I have developed some questionnaires. The questionnaires are as
follows:

H1: Western culture is having a negative impact on people’s perspective of marriage in

Bangladesh.

H2: Divorce can effect on children behavior.

H3: Financial problem is a cause of divorce.

H4: Communication breakdown is a reason of divorce.

H5: Divorce has negative impact on human society.

4.2 Methodology of the study:

2.2.1 Sources and collection of data: In my research, I used both primary

data and secondary data. So, the sources of data are two types:

Primary sources: The data of this study has been collected through
questionnaire interview.
Secondary sources: For the secondary sources information has collected
from different journals, articles, research publications and internet.

4.2.2 Population Size: The population size of the research is based on the
respondents (Male and Female) of my survey.

4.2.3 Sample frame: The sample frame of this study has been considered of the
people of Uttara, sector-10. A total of 55 respondents have been conducted.

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4.2.4 Analysis of data: For analysis of data MS Word, MS Excel has been used.
Statistical tools will be used to derive a meaningful conclusion from the empirical data.
In addition, basic statistical techniques of different measures of central tendency have
been used in analyzing the data.

4.3 Hypothesis Testing:

Table: Summary of the Responses sample.

H1 H2 H3 H4 H5
1=Strongly Disagree 9 9 10 9 13
2=Disagree 7 10 12 10 12
3=Neither Agree nor Disagree 13 10 10 13 12
4=Agree 15 16 15 12 10
5=Strongly Agree 11 10 8 11 8
Total 177 173 164 171 153
Average( X́ ) 3.21 3.14 2.98 3.10 2.78
Standard Deviation (σ) 1.34 1.35 1.34 1.35 1.37
Z test value 3.96 3.53 2.66 3.33 1.52

Hypothesis 1

HA: Western culture is having a negative impact on people’s perspective of marriage in

Bangladesh.

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Ho: Western culture is not having a negative impact on people’s perspective of marriage
in Bangladesh.

I want to test the null hypothesis

HO: μ = 2.5
HA: μ ≠ 2.5
n = 55
Since the sample size n > 30 so, I may use Z - test.

Here,
Total = 177
X́ = 3.21
Standard Deviation σ = 1.34
Z cal= ( X́ – μ) / (σ/√n) = 3.96

At the 5% significant level, the value of Z in Z- distribution table is Z 0.45 = 1.645

Since Z cal> Z tab. So, HO hypothesis is rejected. So at 5 % significant level, we can say
that, Western culture is having a negative impact on people’s perspective of marriage in
Bangladesh.

Hypothesis Testing 1
20% 16% Strongly Disagree
Disagree
13%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
27% Agree
24%
Strongly Agree

From this study it is revealed that 27% respondents are agree, 20% respondents are strongly
agree, 24% respondents are neither agree nor disagree, 13% respondents are disagree, another
16% respondents are strongly disagree on Western culture is having a negative impact on
people’s perspective of marriage in Bangladesh. So, most of the respondents identified that
Western culture is having a negative impact on people’s perspective of marriage in Bangladesh.

Hypothesis 2

HA: Divorce can effect on children behavior.

Ho: Divorce cannot effect on children behavior.

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I want to test the null hypothesis

HO: μ = 2.5
HA: μ ≠ 2.5
n = 55
Since the sample size n > 30 so, I may use z - test.

Here,
Total = 173
X́ = 3.14
Standard Deviation σ = 1.35
Z cal= ( X́ – μ) / (σ/√n) = 3.53

At the 5% significant level, the value of Z in Z- distribution table is Z 0.45 = 1.645

Since Z cal> Z tab. So, HO hypothesis is rejected. So at 5 % significant level, Divorce can effect on
children behavior.

Hypothesis Testing 2
18% 16%
Strongly Disagree

Disagree
18%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
29%
18% Agree

Strongly Agree

From this study it is revealed that 29% respondents are agree, 18% respondents are strongly agree, 18%
respondents are neither agree nor disagree, 18% respondents are disagree, another 17% respondents are
strongly disagree on Divorce can effect on children behavior. So, most of the respondents identified that
Divorce can effect on children behavior.

Hypothesis 3

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HA: Financial problem is a cause of divorce.
Ho: Financial problem is not a cause of divorce.

I want to test the null hypothesis

HO: μ = 2.5
HA: μ ≠ 2.5
n = 55
Since the sample size n > 30 so, I may use z - test.

Here,
Total = 164
X́ = 2.98
Standard Deviation σ = 1.34
Z cal= ( X́ – μ) / (σ/√n) = 2.66

At the 5% significant level, the value of Z in Z- distribution table is Z 0.45 = 1.645

Since Z cal> Z tab. So, HO hypothesis is rejected. So at 5 % significant level, financial problem is
a cause of divorce.

Hypothesis Testing 3

15% 18% Strongly Disagree

Disagree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
27% 22% Agree
Strongly Agree
18%

From this study it is revealed that 27% respondents are agree, 15% respondents are strongly agree, 18%
respondents are neither agree nor disagree, 22% respondents are disagree, another 18% respondents are
strongly disagree on Financial problem is a cause of divorce. So, most of the respondents identified that
Financial problem is a cause of divorce.

Hypothesis 4

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HA: Communication breakdown is a reason of divorce.
Ho: Communication breakdown is a reason of divorce.

I want to test the null hypothesis

HO: μ = 2.5
HA: μ ≠ 2.5
n = 55
Since the sample size n > 30 so, I may use z - test.

Here,
Total = 171
X́ = 3.10
Standard Deviation σ = 1.35
Z cal= ( X́ – μ) / (σ/√n) = 3.33

At the 5% significant level, the value of Z in Z- distribution table is Z 0.45 = 1.645

Since Z cal> Z tab. So, HO hypothesis is rejected. So at 5 % significant level, Communication
breakdown is a reason of divorce.

Hypothesis Testing 4
20% 16%
Strongly Disagree

Disagree
18%
Neither Agree nor
22% Disagree
24% Agree

Strongly Agree

From this study it is revealed that 22% respondents are agree, 20% respondents are strongly agree, 24%
respondents are neither agree nor disagree, 18% respondents are disagree, another 16% respondents are
strongly disagree on Communication breakdown is a reason of divorce. So, most of the respondents
identified that Communication breakdown is a reason of divorce.

Hypothesis 5

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HA: Divorce has negative impact on human society.
Ho: Divorce does not have negative impact on human society.

I want to test the null hypothesis

HO: μ = 2.5
HA: μ ≠ 2.5
n = 55
Since the sample size n > 30 so, I may use z - test.

Here,
Total = 153
X́ = 2.78
Standard Deviation σ = 1.37
Z cal= ( X́ – μ) / (σ/√n) = 1.52

At the 5% significant level, the value of Z in Z- distribution table is Z 0.45 = 1.645

Since Z cal< Z tab. So, HO hypothesis is not rejected. So at 5 % significant level, Divorce has
negative impact on human society.

Hypothesis Testing 5
15% 24%
Strongly Disagree

18% Disagree

Neither Agree nor

Disagree
22% Agree
22%
Strongly Agree

From this study it is revealed that 18% respondents are agree, 14% respondents are strongly agree, 22%
respondents are neither agree nor disagree, 22% respondents are disagree, another 24% respondents are
strongly disagree on Divorce has negative impact on human society. So, most of the respondents
identified that Divorce has negative impact on human society.

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Part-5: Ending

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5.1 Findings:

These are some of the findings that I have reached while preparing this report —

1) Misunderstanding: This means that when the couples have an argument or

misunderstanding, there is no third party to make them realize where they have
gone wrong.
2) Loyalty and trust: People value loyalty and trust greatly and they are the two
main pillars of a marriage. Therefore if a partner fails to satisfy any one of these
qualities, it is likely to create problems in the couples married life, people become
more suspicious about their spouse and this may ultimately lead to divorce.
3) Lack of compatibility: For couples to be happy together, it is very important that
they are compatible, a lack of compatibility is a major cause behind divorce,
because this creates rift between them.
4) Increased levels of stress: Drinking and smoking are widespread problems
nowadays due to increased levels of stress; this is one reason that stimulates
divorce.
5) Getting western: Western culture is having a negative impact on
people’s perspective of marriage. We cannot afford to bring disasters in this significant
area of society in the name of so-called modernism and embrace an alien culture. 

5.2 Recommendations:

In my research I have come across multiple suggestions that may help the couples to
solve their problems. These are being listed below:
• Talking over or getting professional help to overcome the problems should be given
preference.
• Greater awareness about the seriousness of the decision. 
• External help: marriage counseling, psychiatrists etc.
• Keep trying to save marriage.
• They should communicate more.
• Making adjustments and required changes.
• Compromising is sometimes the only solution.

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5.3 Conclusion:

Divorce is a legal action between married people to terminate their marriage relationship.
People are now more likely to get separated but they don’t think that their decision have a
great impact on our human society. The objective of this report is to concern the people
about the divorce and its impact on human society. Consequences of divorce will have
impact on children, family, and the community or society. Divorce rate is increasing day
by day, a survey carried out that USA & UK has most divorcees. Divorce is highly
discouraged in all the existing religion in Bangladesh such as in law of Muslim, Hindu,
Christian and Buddhist. Misunderstanding, lack of compatibility, lack of trust, stress, and
western perspective can be the causes of divorce.

Divorce is one of the problems in human society, but not all problems should end in
divorce. Couples should cooperate to solve problems and there is no such formula for a
happy marriage, and neither is there any particular reason behind a bad marriage.

To conclude we can say that, divorce cannot be stopped as it is a social problem but by
making people concern about society we can try to reduce divorce rate in Bangladesh.

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Part-6: Appendix

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6.1 Bibliography:
1. Divorce – A reality in Bangladesh today. Posted on July 21, 2013 by Farah Subhan
http://amaderkotha.com.bd/2013/07/21/divorce-a-reality-in-bangladesh-today/

2. http://extension.unh.edu/family/documents/divorce

3. Matins, Abdul, The women’s law 1st edition, 1993, Rose computer and publications, Dhaka,

4. Halim, M. Abdul. Women’s crisis within family in Bangladesh, The Bangladesh Society for
the enforcement of Human Rights, Dhaka 1995.

5. Faizudin, Dr, Muhammad, A Text Book on Islamic Law, 1st edition, 2008, Shams
Publications, Dhaka30. Routh, S.K. Elements of Hindu law Ideal library, Dhaka, 1974

6. http://www.thefinancialexpressbd.com/old/index.php?
ref=MjBfMDdfMTRfMTNfMV8yN18xNzYzNjU=

Websites
1. [Thinklegalbangaldesh.com/web1/publicfiles]

2.[www.hrw.org/news/2012/09/16/bangladesh-discriminatoryfamily-laws-fuel-femalepoverty

3.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11380470

4.["September 2003, Vol. 34, No. 8 Print version: page 18". Apa.org. Retrieved 2012-03-27.]

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce 

6. STOR , Reforming Muslim Personal law, Economic and Political Weekly February 24,2001. 

http://www.jstor.org[Journal]

 7.[ ^ http://extension.unh.edu/family/documents/divorce.pdf]

8. Data source: http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/countries-with-highest-divorce-rate-
map.html

9. http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/countries-with-lowest-divorce-rate.html

10. http://divorcescience.org/2013/01/27/divorce-rates-in-asia-2010/

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6.2 Questionnaire:
Dear Sir /Madam

We are the students of BBA Program in College of Business Administration of International

University of Business Agriculture and Technology. As part of completion our Business
Research course we are conducting a survey on divorce and we would like to have your valuable
opinion on it. The information will be used for study purpose only. All responses will be of
course, treated anonymously and confidentially.

Respondents Profile:

Gender of the Respondent Male Female

Age (In years) 20-30 30-40 above 40

Education Under Graduate Graduate Others (Please specify)

…….

Profession Home Maker Service Holder Business Others

1. Do you agree on that Western culture is having a negative impact on

people’s perspective of marriage in Bangladesh?

a) Strongly disagree b) Disagree c) Neither agree nor disagree d) Agree e) Strongly agree

2. Do you agree that divorce can affect children behavior?

a) Strongly disagree b) Disagree c) Neither agree nor disagree d) Agree e) Strongly agree

3. Do you agree that financial problem is a cause of divorce?

a) Strongly disagree b) Disagree c) Neither agree nor disagree d) Agree e) Strongly agree

4. Do you agree reform law will effect on society?

a) Strongly disagree b) Disagree c) Neither agree nor disagree d) Agree e) Strongly agree

5. Do you agree on that Divorce has negative impact on human society?

a) Strongly disagree b) Disagree c) Neither agree nor disagree d) Agree e) Strongly agree

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