Love Wins: Marma woman marries Bengali man despite pressure
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
A young couple in Rangamati’s Kaukhali upazila got married through court despite facing legal trouble, threats, and strong opposition from a regional armed group.
Nichungma Marma, 23, from Bardulupara in Kalamati Union, tied the knot with her partner Md Fahim, a Bengali youth from Poyapara area, at the Rangamati court on June 15.
The couple had been in a relationship for some time.
But when their affair became known, members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF – Prasit faction) allegedly pressured Nichungma and her family to end it.
The group reportedly harassed them and later forced Nichungma to file a rape and abuse case against Fahim and another youth, Rimon Chakma.
The case was filed with Kaukhali Police Station on April 17 under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Penal Code.
On April 23, police arrested Fahim from Sitakunda in Chattogram.
He was sent to court the next day and later secured bail from the High Court on May 25.
Despite all challenges, the couple moved forward.
Nichungma also voluntarily converted to Islam and took the name Faiza.
Locals say the marriage has brought clarity to the situation, which some allege was used to stir ethnic tension.
No public comment has been made by the UPDF (Prasit) group on the matter.
