Bangladeshi Parents Forced Me Into Marriage: UK Doctor

Case prompts other Brits to come forth

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 18, 2008 10:40 AM CST

(Newser) – The Bangladeshi parents of a 33-year-old doctor living in Britain kidnapped and forced her into a Muslim marriage during a trip home because they disapproved of her Hindu boyfriend, the Independent reports. Humayra Abedin returned to the UK this week after four months in captivity, and is seeking to have the marriage annulled. Her case has prompted unprecedented pleas from other young Brits fearing forced marriages, often while abroad.

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[Videos (1)]

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A British doctor, not pictured, said her parents forced her into a Muslim marriage after luring her to their native Bangladesh under false pretenses and detaining her. (Getty Images)

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Saira Khan investigates the dramatic stories of British Asians taken to Pakistan by their parents and forced to marry against their will. (TroisVitesse)

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I was forced to marry a person of my parents' choice. ... I entered into the marriage ceremony under duress. I did not consent to the marriage.
- Humayra Abedin

Please help me.
My life is in danger.
- Abedin's SMS plea to a cousin

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Bangladeshi Parents Forced Me Into Marriage: UK Doctor