BNP candidate Tuli's 'four marriages' remark: What she actually said

Dhaka-14 BNP-nominated candidate Sanjida Islam Tulee faces a case for hurting religious sentiments over comments on polygamy. Businessman Hossain Mohammad Anwar filed the case today Wednesday in the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Arifur Rahman.

Plaintiff's lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan told reporters: "We filed the case for insulting religion. The court has recorded the plaintiff's statement and directed Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate and submit a report."

The complaint alleges that marriage is a fundamental Islamic rite, permitted up to four for Muslim men under Surah An-Nisa (4:3). Bangladesh's Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937 applies Shariah in such matters. Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but insulting faith or hurting religious beliefs is punishable under Section 295A of the Penal Code.

The plaintiff claims Tulee insulted Islam by mocking polygamy, violating the Constitution and Shariah.

What Tulee said

At a recent rally, Tulee remarked: "A man can have four marriages – did our sisters grant that right to anyone? We don't want this society, and we won't give them space in this social system."

The video went viral on social media, drawing backlash. Tawhidi Janata branded it as anti-Islam and Quranic blasphemy.

When contacted, Tulee referred to her 15 November Facebook post: "In discussing women's rights, I said nothing against Islamic provisions on marriage. The Quran and Sunnah allow multiple marriages with strict justice (Surah An-Nisa 4:3). A Muslim man may marry up to four, but the condition is absolute equity in time, money, rights, and dignity. The Quran clearly states: if justice is impossible, 'then be content with one' (Surah An-Nisa 4:3)."

She added: "Islam prioritises women's honour, rights, and security. We must follow the full guidance, not just one part. Society's duty is to ensure women's rights and respect. My point was that deceiving sisters with secret marriages, depriving them of rights, and betraying them is not Islamic teaching. Islam emphasises justice, transparency, and trust – not deceit."