Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Despite notable progress in increasing the number of female students throughout the country, recent studies reveal that the issue of child marriage is continuously worsening.
Researchers shared insights from the well-being report titled "Child Rights and Wellbeing Situation Analysis in Bangladesh 2024," highlighting that boys are also becoming victims of child marriage.
Educo Bangladesh hosted the event on Wednesday at a hotel in the city.
The survey for this report was conducted across 11 districts.
During the presentation of the report's findings, Mohammad Adnan Rahman, Portfolio Manager of Inspire Advisory and Consulting, noted that compared to 2022, the prevalence of child marriage has risen in 2023, with preliminary data indicating an upward trend.
The researchers did not include data from 2024 in their analysis as the study was conducted between September 15 and December 15.
“In 2022, 40.9% of women aged 20 to 24 were married before turning 18. This figure increased to 41.6% in 2023, with 8.2% married before the age of 15,” Adnan reported.
In response to a query, he explained that the underlying causes of this increase remain largely unchanged, including poverty, insufficient social protection, religious concerns, rising instances of female child marriage, unrestricted device access, and climate-related issues.
Adnan elaborated that unrestricted access to mobile devices and the internet often leads to early sexual activity in pre-teens, causing parents to feel anxious and reconsider societal and religious norms, ultimately resulting in early child marriages.
Supporting these findings, Sina Chowdhury, Deputy Director of POPI, said they are noticing an increase in child marriage not just in remote rural areas, but also in urban and suburban regions.
Fahmida Akter Rinky, a legal officer at OCC in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, mentioned that incidents like rape and sexual harassment are not subject to civil compromise.
However, unfortunately, once victims leave government shelters, families often reach compromises, resulting in child marriage.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (MOWCA), Arzu Ara Begum, stated that the government maintains a strong stance against child marriage.
The situation becomes more challenging when interventions occur after both parties have already incurred expenses related to a marriage.
Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Educo Bangladesh, Halima Akter, advocated for the establishment of a separate directorate and the creation of laws aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment for the wellbeing of children.
Mamtaz Ahmed, the Chief Guest of the event and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, emphasized that children's needs should take precedence over all developmental activities for a brighter future for the nation.
She also called upon NGOs and INGOs in the country to assist the government by providing current and comprehensive insights that will help ensure timely action.
Abdur Rahim, Director of Programs at Educo Bangladesh, and Md Anwar Hossain, Director General (in charge) of the NGO Affairs Bureau, was present at the event.
Field workers from several districts who participated in the survey and the rural students shared their thoughts and experiences at the event.