Court Hears Defence in Alleged Bigamy Case

A legal case involving allegations of marriage without formal divorce has continued in a Dhaka court, where former Bangladesh national cricket team player Nasir Hossain and his wife, Tamima Sultana Tammi, are facing charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years if proven.

On Monday (30 March), Tamima Sultana Tammi appeared before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka, where she gave her defence testimony. During the hearing, she firmly denied allegations that she entered into marriage without legally dissolving her previous marital relationship. She maintained her innocence and appealed to the court for a fair and impartial judgment.

According to case documents, the marriage between Nasir Hossain and Tamima Sultana was formalised on 14 February 2021 at a restaurant in the capital’s Uttara area. The union soon became the subject of controversy when allegations emerged that Tamima had not obtained a legal divorce from her former husband prior to the marriage.

Following the allegations, her former husband, Rakib, filed a case on 24 February 2021 against both Nasir Hossain and Tamima Sultana, accusing them of contracting a marriage in violation of legal procedures. The case quickly drew public attention due to the involvement of a prominent national sports figure.

Subsequently, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted its investigative report to the court on 30 September 2021. Based on the findings, the court formally framed charges against the accused on 7 February 2022, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

If the allegations are ultimately proven in court, both Nasir Hossain and Tamima Sultana could face a custodial sentence ranging from five to seven years under applicable legal provisions relating to marriage and documentation irregularities.

Case Timeline Overview

During proceedings, the defence reiterated that the marriage was conducted lawfully and disputed claims that any previous marital bond remained legally valid at the time of the union. The prosecution, however, continues to maintain that due process regarding divorce had not been completed before the marriage ceremony.

The court also noted that the matter involves documentary and procedural verification of marital status, which will be central to determining the final outcome of the case. Legal experts suggest that such disputes typically hinge on the validity and timing of divorce documentation under applicable family law provisions.

The case has remained under judicial review for several years, drawing sustained public and media attention due to the profile of one of the accused. Observers note that the proceedings highlight broader issues surrounding marital registration, documentation compliance, and enforcement of family law procedures in Bangladesh.

As the trial continues, further witness testimonies and documentary evidence are expected to be examined in court. The next stages of the proceedings will likely focus on verifying the authenticity of divorce records and establishing whether all legal requirements were fulfilled prior to the marriage.

The court has yet to set a final verdict date, and the case remains ongoing.