Kushtia Representative: The groom appears at the bride’s house. All the wedding formalities are almost over. A large scale is drawn in the courtyard of the wedding house. On one side of the scales was the bride in her wedding dress. Coins of one, two, and five rupees are placed on the other side. Later, he was measured with coins equal to the bride’s weight. Such a fancy wedding was held in Pragpur Mathpara village of Pragpur union of Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia.
Eyewitnesses said that Biplab, son of Mainul Islam of the same village, had a love affair with Ratan Ali’s daughter, Machura Khatun Riya, of Pragpur Mathpara village. They both ran away from home for the purpose of marriage. Later, the girl and boy returned to their respective homes when the two families promised to marry them. The wedding ceremony and other formalities begin. Their marriage was completed last Tuesday.
After all the formalities, in the presence of everyone in the wedding house, the girl’s father weighs the bride’s money on the scale and gives the son a dowry. When a video of someone giving money by measuring the scale went viral on social media, there was a mixed reaction among the locals. Although the matter is said to be a vow from the girl’s family, many see it as dowry. Attempts were made to contact the boy and his family to find out about this, but they could not be reached.
Rakibul Islam, a local resident, said that there has been a sense of humor among the locals. It is not right to give money in public. There is a question of whether it is considered dowry or not. In such an event, many questions will arise among people.
The girl’s father, Ratan Ali, said that the boy and girl had a relationship and got married a few days ago. Their marriage was officially recognized last Tuesday with the consent of both families.
Regarding the payment of the girl’s weight, he said, the vow was taken at the time of the girl’s birth. If the girl survives, I will give her a dowry equal to her weight in marriage. So the girl has been given coins by measure.
Siddiqur Rahman, a member of Pragpur Union, confirmed the truth of the incident and said that the girl’s father, Ratan Ali, is a garment worker. Come on the Eid holiday and organize domestic events with the consent of both families. There has been discussion and criticism in the area about giving money by measuring the scales.
Pragpur Union Parishad Chairman Ashrafuzzaman Mukul Master said, I have heard the news of such incidents. I was also invited to that wedding ceremony. I did not go there because my daughter was a minor. However, inquiries are being made as to why the girl was given the same amount of money. The matter of giving money by measuring the scale has been wrong.
Daulatpur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Obaidullah said, I am not aware of the matter. If such an incident occurs, it is a legal offense. Necessary action will be taken after an inquiry in this regard.
