Free Legal Aid helped Marufa, who came to her husband Sohag’s house with a dream of a beautiful family of her own. Marufa Khatun, the daughter of a poor family, got married at a very young age. Marufa became the mother of one child after marriage. But after a few days of marriage, demands for dowry came from the house of her husband and father-in-law. However, poor Marufa and her family could not meet that demand. That’s when her husband started torturing Marufa in various ways from her in-law’s house. This torture at one point took the form of divorce, and Marufa’s marriage broke up. But her father-in-law’s family refused to pay her dowry and child maintenance. In such a situation, all the joys of Marufa’s life vanished. To get her rights back, she went to different places for help. In such a situation, she came to know about the FAIR Community Legal Services Centre (CLSC), Khulna from her neighbor and went to the FAIR CLSC and filed a complaint on March 10, 2015, which is numbered KCCWA-0247.

Effect of free legal aid

Free legal aid has played an important role in addressing Marufa’s plight. FAIR CLSC quickly registered its complaint and initiated the mediation process, inviting both parties to discuss the issue. Despite the severity of the situation, FAIR CLSC provides a safe platform for Marufa to voice concerns and seek justice. Finally, both agree to live together.

How free legal aid has made a difference

Victim Empowerment: Free legal aid gives Marufa the confidence and support she needs to confront her abusers. It helped him seek justice and reclaim his life.

Facilitating Constructive Dialogue: Mediation sessions allow both parties to discuss issues. Through this dialogue, Sohag and his family face the consequences of their actions.

Ensuring justice: FAIR CLSC has ensured prompt resolution of Marufa’s case. Marufa got a FAIR trial after a long legal battle.

Restoring peace: Successful mediation resulted in an agreement that allowed Marufa to live separately with her husband and child, freeing her from the abuse she endured.

A new beginning for Marufa

Marufa now lives in a rented house with her husband and child free from the toxic environment of her in-laws thanks to free legal aid. Sohag treats her with respect and is committed to ensuring her safety. Marufa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of legal aid.

Motivational change and support

Marufa’s journey highlights the profound impact that free legal aid can have on the lives of those experiencing abuse. Her story serves as an inspiration to donors, beneficiaries and stakeholders associated with FAIR CLSC.

Conclusion

Free legal aid was instrumental in rescuing Marufa Begum from the cycle of dowry abuse. Her journey from suffering to safety shows the remarkable impact legal aid can have on the lives of vulnerable people. FAIR CLSC’s prompt and effective intervention ensured that Marufa’s rights were protected, and justice was upheld. Her story is a powerful example of how legal aid can empower individuals, promote justice and foster community harmony.

By sharing Marufa’s story, we can raise awareness of the importance of free legal aid and inspire others with advice for legal services.

Note that FAIR, a rights-based development organization, is implementing the Making Women’s Legal Right a Reality in Bangladesh project in Khulna with the financial support of the Community Legal Service Project (UK Aid) in partnership with Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA). The Projects provide free legal aid to victims of violence, especially women, children, ethnic minorities, Dalits, and the poor.

N. B. The photo of the woman used in this story is not original. Created by AI.