Mother seeks halt to July martyr's allowance over father's second marriage

A dispute has arisen over the second marriage of the father of July movement 'martyr' Sheikh Shahriar bin Matin. His mother, Momtaz Begum, has alleged that her husband, Sheikh Abdul Matin, married a second time without her consent and is misusing the government's allowance and compensation meant for their son. She has filed written complaints with the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, her husband's workplace Alpha Group and concerned authorities, requesting that the government allowance and monthly stipend be suspended.

Momtaz Begum claimed that in their 22 years of marriage, they have one son and one daughter. After their only son, Shahriar, was killed in the July 2024 movement, the family was in deep grief. However, her husband's recent second marriage has created a new crisis. She alleged that the marriage was financed using their son's allowance.

According to government rules, the family of a 'July martyr' receives a one-time Tk 30 lakh in savings certificates, half given to the spouse and half to the parents. Additionally, a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000 is divided equally between them.

Sheikh Abdul Matin has denied all allegations, claiming he married legally with his first wife's consent. He said doctors had informed him that his first wife could not conceive again, and family pressure and the need for an heir led to his decision. He denied misusing his son's allowance.

Momtaz Begum said her husband is using a message sent in anger on Messenger as proof of consent, which cannot be considered valid permission.

Sheikh Shahriar bin Matin was shot on July 18, 2024, in the capital's Mirpur-10 area and died on July 20 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at the age of 18.