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Bangladesh: Follow-up to BGD42137.E of 20 November 2003 on whether minor children travelling with one parent are permitted to leave the country without the presence and consent of the other parent in cases of marital separation or divorce, including circumstances in which a parent cannot leave the country with his or her minor child(ren) without the presence or consent of the other parent

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association (BNWLA), an organization comprising female lawyers advocating for the rule of law, gender equity, equality (BNWLA 2002) and anti-trafficking, that is involved in the provision of free legal aid and the operation of a shelter for female and child victims, provided the following information:

1. So long [as] marital status exists; either of the parents having relevant travel documents can leave the country with his/her children. In [such] case[s], immigration authorit[ies] will not debar him/her.

2. Separated or divorced parent[s] may also leave the country with [their] children [by] obtaining order (permission) from the court of law.

3. A parent is prevented from leaving the country with his/her children if there is a bar from the court of law. In this case, the immigration authority will be informed of such restriction through legal procedure (24 Nov. 2003).

This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association (BNWLA). 24 November 2003. Correspondence from the Executive Director.
_____. 2002. "Introduction to BNWLA." <http://www.bnwla.org/about.html> [Accessed 8 Dec. 2003]