FA M I LY L AW Christian Marriage Act, 1872 S UMMARY Provides for the solemnization and registration of Christian marriages in Bangladesh. AP PL ICAB IL IT Y TO RO H I NGYA This Act is applicable “only as regards Christian citizens of Bangladesh,” and therefore Rohingya persons of Christian faith in Bangladesh are arguably not covered by this Act. P ROTECTIO N N OT ES Christian members of the Rohingya community who wish to have their marriage registered should be afforded official registration under the Christian Marriage Act, 1872. Special Marriage Act, 1872 S UMMARY Provides for the registration of interreligious marriages, as well as marriages between non-religious individuals in Bangladesh. AP PL ICAB IL IT Y TO RO H I NGYA This Act applies to the whole of Bangladesh without direct reference to citizenship. There are currently no Special Marriage Courts in Cox’s Bazar and only three in the whole of Bangladesh, currently located in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. P ROTECTIO N N OT ES In order to register a marriage under this law, the married couple needs previous or advance notice to be issued by a Special Marriage Registrar and must swear an affidavit on oath that they do not profess to any religion. Due to practical limitations, the rights under this Act are currently inaccessible to Rohingya. 27 BE YOND REFU GE: ADVANCING LEG AL PROTECTIONS FOR ROHINGYA C OMMUNITIES IN BANGL ADESH