In Dhormopur Union of Feni Sadar Upazila, a housewife, Bibi Zahura, was divorced by her husband, Ismail Hossain Kawser, president of Ward No. 9 Swechchhasebak League, after she went to cast her vote in the national election against his orders.
In response, leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have extended their support to Zahura. On Friday evening (February 14), local BNP leaders met Zahura at her residence. Present at the meeting were central executive committee member Mosharur Rahman Biplob, Feni Municipality BNP Secretary Advocate Mezbah Uddin Bhuiyan, and Dhormopur Union BNP President Advocate Abdus Sattar. They spoke with Zahura, her mother-in-law, and local residents.
Mosharur Rahman Biplob assured that BNP will stand by Zahura, helping with restoring her family life, household management, and children’s welfare. Meanwhile, former president of the district Bar Association, Abdus Sattar, said Zahura would receive legal and social support.
Earlier, on Thursday (February 12), after verbally divorcing Zahura, Kawser left the area amid public outrage but returned home on Friday afternoon. Under pressure from locals and following advice from a Mufti, he acknowledged his mistake and expressed willingness to reconcile with his wife.
Zahura said she cast her first vote in the national election for the “Dhaneer Sheesh” symbol, which led to her husband divorcing her. She wishes to resolve the matter religiously and socially and remain in her husband’s home with her three children and mother-in-law.
Kawser’s mother, Sharifa Khatun, stated that her son must face consequences for his wrongdoing, and that he will not be allowed back in the family home if he fails to respect his wife’s dignity.
Zahura and Kawser were married in 2013 and have three children. Due to financial difficulties, Zahura worked in other households to support the family, while Kawser, a bedding craftsman from Feni Railway Gate, largely stayed at home after the Awami League lost power.
