Two young women from the Philippines, hailing from different countries, cultures, and languages, have crossed borders to unite with their Bangladeshi partners.
Despite the vast distances and cultural differences, their love blossomed into marriage, bringing them to Tanore, a town in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi district.
One of the couples is Rakibul Islam, 22, from Krishnapur village in Kamarpara union of Tanore upazila, and Khadija Islam, 22, from the Zamboanga Peninsula in the Philippines.
The other couple consists of Rezaul Karim, 33, from Malshira village in the same Kamarpara union, and Mariam Khatun, 32, from Bago City on the western side of Negros Island in the Philippines.
Love across borders
Both couples' love stories began on Facebook. Around two years ago, Rakibul Islam connected with Khadija Islam, who was then working in Saudi Arabia. Before converting to Islam, her name was Rizel Clear. Their online friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship, despite being separated by thousands of miles.
On October 5, Khadija flew from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, where Rakibul met her at Dhaka airport. The very next day, on October 6, they were married according to Islamic customs. Now, the couple lives together in Rakibul’s family home, where his family warmly welcomed their new foreign daughter-in-law.
Similarly, Rezaul Karim had met his future wife, Mariam Khatun, when they both worked in the same company in Singapore. Before converting to Islam, Mariam’s name was Charina Molin. Their friendship evolved into love, and about three months ago, Mariam traveled from the Philippines to Bangladesh. The couple married following Islamic traditions, and Mariam now lives with Rezaul in his family’s home in Malshira village.
Overcoming barriers
Both couples faced challenges due to the distance between them, but love triumphed over the geographical and cultural barriers.
When asked how they managed to maintain their relationships, both couples shared that they relied on Facebook and translated their messages into English using mobile phones.
Through these exchanges, they got to know each other better, becoming friends and then falling in love.
A new life in Bangladesh
Mariam was the first to arrive in Bangladesh, three months before Khadija. Khadija followed two days ago, and both women are now adjusting to their new lives in their husbands’ homes. They have expressed their hopes for a happy life together and have asked for everyone’s blessings.
Rakibul’s father, Saidur Rahman, is thrilled to have Khadija as his daughter-in-law. "Many people are coming to see them, and it feels good to see such interest," he said.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the two foreign women face no difficulties. Tanore Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman and Tanore upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Minhajul Islam have reassured the couples that they will receive all necessary support during their transition into the community.
The newlywed brides, Khadija and Mariam, also expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and said: “We ask for everyone’s blessings so that we can live happily.”
