What the kabin-nama is
The kabin-nama (কাবিননামা), also called the nikah-nama, is the marriage registration form completed by a licensed Nikah Registrar (often called the kazi). It records who married whom, when, in front of which witnesses, and on what terms — above all the mahr (দেনমোহর). Families often say "kabin" to mean the mahr itself, because the two are recorded together.
Registration is the law
Under the Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act 1974, every marriage solemnised under Muslim law must be registered. If the nikah is performed by someone other than the Nikah Registrar — an imam or a relative, for example — the bridegroom must report it to the registrar for registration within 30 days.
The people in it
- The bride and groom, with their parents’ names and addresses, and their ages.
- The wakil (representative) and witnesses — two witnesses for each side is the usual practice.
- Marital status before this marriage. The form has asked about the bride’s previous marriage; after a High Court directive, the word "kumari" (virgin) is to be replaced by "unmarried" in the form.
The mahr (denmohor)
The kabin-nama records the amount of mahr and how it will be given: in cash, gold or property; paid now (prompt) or later (deferred); in full or in instalments; and any part already paid at the wedding. Mahr is the bride’s right. Read our guide to denmohor (mahr) before the families agree an amount.
Delegated right of divorce (column 18)
One part of the form — widely known as column 18 — records whether the husband delegates to the wife the right to divorce (talaq-e-tafweez), and on what conditions. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 the wife can then use that right herself. Many families leave this column blank without discussing it. Talk about it calmly and in advance: it is a protection both families can agree to.
Other conditions
- Any limits the couple agree on the husband’s right of divorce.
- Other agreed conditions — for example where the couple will live, or the wife’s education or work.
- For a man who is already married, the written permission of the Arbitration Council (required by the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 before another marriage).
A live issue: disclosing previous marriages
On 14 September 2026 the High Court issued a rule asking why the kabin-nama should not require both spouses to disclose any previous or existing marriages, children, and their NID or passport details. Until the law changes, do your own checks — and be honest yourself. On KobulKabin, marital status is part of every biodata, and "already married" is a reason anyone can report.
The registrar’s fee
The government sets the registrar’s fee, based on the amount of mahr. In 2018 the Financial Express described the official rate as Tk 1,000 for the first Tk 4 lakh of mahr plus Tk 100 for each further lakh, and found registrars often charging far more. Ask the registrar for the current official rate and a receipt before the ceremony.
Copies and use abroad
Ask the registrar for a certified copy of the kabin-nama. If you will need it abroad — for a spouse visa, for example — the authority that receives it will usually want a certified English translation and may want it attested. Check with that authority or the embassy first, because requirements differ.
A checklist for families
- The Nikah Registrar is licensed for the area, and registration happens on the day.
- Names, ages and parents’ details are spelled correctly (they must match passports and NIDs).
- The mahr amount, and what is prompt and what is deferred, are written clearly.
- Column 18 has been discussed openly by both families.
- Previous marriages are declared honestly on both sides.
- No dowry (joutuk) has been demanded — it is a crime in Bangladesh.
- You leave with, or know how to collect, a certified copy.