A woman named Kajoli Rani, also known as Maria Akter, has arrived at the home of journalist Mahfuzur Rahman in Telihar village of Kalai upazila, Joypurhat, with her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, seeking recognition as his wife and demanding social recognition for their child.
According to local sources, Kajoli Rani, a resident of nearby Dhudhail village, converted from Hinduism to Islam in 2013 following a romantic relationship with Mahfuzur Rahman. She reportedly converted at a notary public office in Gazipur and subsequently changed her name to Maria Akter. The two later married, with a dower of Tk 100,000. They have a daughter together.
Maria reportedly lived in Dhaka, where Mahfuz would visit her. However, she alleges that he stopped communicating with her and their daughter around seven to eight months ago and no longer checked on their well-being.
Maria later learned that Mahfuz had married again without informing her. With no other apparent option, she arrived at his family home in Telihar village on Monday, October 19, accompanied by her daughter, to demand recognition for herself and her child. During the incident, members of Mahfuz’s family reportedly remained inside the house with the doors closed.
Speaking at the scene, Maria Akter said, “After we fell in love, I converted to Islam at Mahfuz’s request and married him in 2013. We lived in Dhaka, but for the past seven to eight months, he has not contacted us or checked on us. Later, I learned that he had married again. I was born into a Hindu family, and I have nowhere to turn for support. I was forced to come to my husband’s home to seek recognition for my child. However, his family members are not allowing me inside. I want my rightful recognition and the rights of both myself and my daughter to be ensured.”
The incident has sparked concern and dissatisfaction among local residents. Shahidul Islam, a resident of the village, said, “Mahfuzur Rahman from our village married this woman. She converted to Islam and married him. Now, neither the woman nor the child has been given recognition. We, the villagers, want a fair resolution, and it must be ensured.”
Another villager, Faruk Hossain, said they had previously heard about Mahfuz’s marriage, but he repeatedly denied it.
“We knew about the matter before, but he repeatedly denied it. After 10 to 12 years, the woman has now arrived with her child. He has not been looking after her or their daughter. For now, we have tried to calm the situation and arranged a place for her to sit,” Faruk said.
Mumtaz Ali, another resident of the village, said, “We had heard about the matter for a long time, but now we have seen the woman arrive at the house with her child. Although her in-laws are not allowing her inside, we want a proper resolution through village mediation or a local arbitration process.”
When contacted, Mahfuzur Rahman acknowledged that Maria was his wife and said he had not divorced her.
“She is my wife. I have not divorced her. I married a second time without informing her. My wife has every right to come to my home. I will take legal action against those who circulated this video,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalai Police Station Saidul Alam said police had been sent to the scene after receiving information about the incident. He added that the woman had been advised to submit a written complaint or file a case at the police station.
“Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is received,” the OC said.
