The Odd World

The Odd World

'Lovebird' seeks 31st wife

DHAKA (Reuter): A 30-year-old Bangladeshi has been deserted by his 30th wife, but the man they call "Lovebird" says he will keep trying.

Kanchan Ali, a rickshaw-puller in Bangladesh's coastal district of Patuakhali, has never lived more than six months with any one wife.

"The girls seem to be happily agreeing to marriage with Ali, live for few months and then go," a local police officer said. "But no one has ever complained against Ali, who picks up the next bride without much efforts."

Ali told a reporter this week that he was proud of his record and wanted to improve on it. "At least, I wish to have as many wives to match my age. This is a great fun."

Customs and laws governing marriage and divorce are very informal in the Bangladesh countryside.

The parents and relatives of some of the estranged wives have different names for Ali, but police say they cannot do anything about him because "we have received no complaints" from the women.