The reason Surma and Taozen’s dream marriage could not be realized

Wang Taozen came to Bangladesh from Guangzhou, China, following love. He had hoped to marry Surma Akter and start a new life. However, due to legal complications and warnings from the embassy, that dream was halted. Taozen is returning to his country without getting married.

On Thursday (6 November), he left Nasirnagar in Brahmanbaria. Currently, he is staying in Dhaka and preparing to return to his country, according to Surma’s family sources.

About one and a half months ago, they met on an online app called ‘Wall Talk’. Through conversations, their relationship developed, and Taozen decided to come to Bangladesh. Surma’s family initially had no objections. With the consent of both families, preparations for the wedding began.

The wedding was scheduled for Sunday (2 November). However, before the local arrangements, legal complications arose. On Monday, an attempt was made to solemnize the marriage through the court.

But lawyers stated that for marriage with a foreign citizen, consulting the embassy is mandatory. Taozen contacted the Chinese embassy. There, officials informed that recently special caution has been issued regarding marriage with Bangladeshi women.

The embassy said that in China, due to the imbalance in the male-female ratio, many men try to marry foreign women. Some human trafficking groups have become active. Therefore, to marry a foreign woman, one must follow the laws of their country and stay away from illegal matchmaking agencies and online fraud.

After the embassy’s instructions, the matter was sent to the Ministry of Law. However, no clear legal explanation was obtained from there either. As a result, even after all preparations, the marriage could not be completed.

During this period, Taozen converted to Islam. He converted through an imam at a local mosque.

Surma’s uncle said that every possible effort was made locally and through the court to solemnize the marriage. But due to legal complications and the embassy’s restrictions, it was not possible. Taozen understood the situation and has planned to complete the legal process and marry later.

The Chinese embassy also mentioned that recently they have imposed strict restrictions on such cross-border marriages.

After news of Taozen coming from China to Bangladesh spread, discussions started in Nasirnagar. Every day, curious people visit Surma’s house. Locals say that earlier such stories were seen in films, and now it is happening in reality. Some hope that the outcome of this love story will be even more beautiful.

Despite failing due to legal complications, Surma and Taozen’s relationship remains intact. Family members said that Taozen will return to Bangladesh after completing the legal procedures in his country.

A relative of Surma said, “Taozen has assured Surma that he will return after completing all legal matters. We want their love to have a happy ending.”

Khaborwala/TSN