Couples’ lived experiences and societal reactions to international marriages in Bangladesh

This paper investigates the emerging trend of international marriages in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country shaped by strict gender norms, religious expectations, and traditional societal values. Drawing on 85 media and newspaper reports from Bangladeshi sources, this study explores how couples navigate personal, familial, societal, and institutional responses to these unions. While international marriages are not entirely new, their rise among the middle and lower-middle classes marks a significant shift. The paper uses the network theory of migration and social exchange theory to understand the motivations behind such marriages and the interactions between couples and their families. Key drivers include economic opportunity, immigration benefits, global workspaces, and the rise of social media. Although couples rarely disclose economic motivations to the media, these factors appear central. Despite initial resistance, many of these marriages gain eventual acceptance from families and institutions. However, some unions end in separation due to breaches of trust or challenges in adapting to new environments. Most couples, however, manage to maintain stable lives both in Bangladesh and abroad. This study offers an early contribution to understanding international marriages in a country in South Asia and calls for longitudinal primary data research to overcome media-related limitations and deepen understanding of this evolving social phenomenon.