Several Awami League-supported kazi registrars are accused of going into hiding with “balam books,” key marriage and divorce registration records, following a political change. The reported loss has affected kazi offices in areas including Moghbazar in Dhaka and Tangail Sadar, leaving applicants unable to obtain certified marriage or divorce certificates, kabinnamas, or English copies needed for use abroad. The report was published on August 15, 2026.

The Law Ministry said taking balam books is a criminal offence and that it will examine the matter and take necessary action. Bangladesh has 5,578 registered kazi posts, of which about 500 are vacant, according to the report. Rules on transferring a nikah registrar’s duties require records to be secured and jointly certified for submission through registrars.

Moghbazar kazi office official Maulana Selim Reza alleged that former kazi Sagar Ahmed Shaheen left with many books and that no inventory of missing records was provided. Reza also reported signs of serious forgery and incomplete divorce entries in some books. Shaheen denied taking any records, saying all books were left at the office. Affected applicants called for recovery of missing records, stronger document security, and action against those responsible.