Authorities must prevent child marriage to protect the rights of vulnerable girls

Child marriage remains a pervasive issue in Bangladesh, with recent statistics shedding light on the alarming rates of young girls being forced into early unions. According to a report by Crucial to recognise that child marriage not only robs children of their childhood but also perpetuates Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a women’s rights organisation, an astonishing 72 per cent of girls between the ages of 13 and 15 became victims of child marriage during the period of 2018 to 2021.

This distressing trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable girls.

The report further reveals that societal and economic factors play a significant role in perpetuating child marriage.

Shockingly, approximately 53 per cent of the girls agreed to enter into marriage due to family and societal pressure, while 50 per cent did so as a result of poverty, highlighting the complex interplay of social norms and economic hardships in this issue.

Tragically, the consequences of child marriage are severe, as indicated by the report’s findings. About 0.5 per cent of girls died due to complications arising from pregnancy at such a young age, while a staggering 44 per cent experienced various health complications later in life.

The report highlights another concerning aspect of the issue — the lack of awareness and enforcement of child marriage laws. Shockingly, 67 per cent of the surveyed families were unaware of the legal consequences associated with child marriage, while 56 per cent were aware of the laws but still chose to conduct these marriages. This underscores the need for increased public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of legislation to curb this harmful practice.

Furthermore, the report reveals the extent of the manipulation surrounding child marriage, with many girls resorting to falsifying their birth certificates to appear of legal age for marriage. The prevalence of child marriage in Bangladesh demands immediate action from the government, civil society organisations, and the international community.

Comprehensive strategies should encompass raising awareness, enforcing existing laws, providing social and economic support to vulnerable families, and promoting access to education for all children, irrespective of their gender.