In Bangladesh, the minimum marriageable age for boys is 21 and for girls it is 18. Even though child marriages are taking place lesser than it used to be before, the rate of child marriage in this country is still high. It is a terrible concern for the society.
Because of child marriage young people, especially women are at heath risks. Other problems such as dowry, domestic violence, and sexual assault are increasing in the society too. Hence, to eradicate such problems, child marriage needs to be stopped and proper law should be enforced to stop it.
However, the government has endorsed a drafted law where it was stated that the age constraint is relaxed in special cases. This means, in certain cases it is allowed to marry off a girl who is under eighteen. This may leave a negative impact on the society.
In an article published in The Daily Star, Akhter Ahmed, an IFPRI country representative, says that it is not a good idea which excuses criminals because of 'special cases' and he also fears that this rule will be misused by people. In his words, "Bangladesh's enabling policy environment and national commitment have brought about dramatic improvements in nutrition, food security, poverty, and women's empowerment. However, early child marriage still presents unique social, economic, and political challenges that stifle development progress in Bangladesh."
Many child marriage cases have been ruining young girls in different places of the country. Monju (pseudonym) says, "I came to Dhaka with my husband when I was 15 years old. I was forced to marry him by my parents when I was only 15. Then when he brought me to Dhaka, I did not have my family with me. I got pregnant after few months and no one was there to take care of me. Then I had a miscarriage and became very sick. My husband now keeps on telling me to work outside but I am too weak to go outside and work. He even beats me every now and then because of this reason."
Another girl, who is unwilling to tell her name and works as a housemaid, says, "She got married right after she had her first menstruation. At a very young age she had her own daughter. Her husband left her and got married again to another woman. She now lives with her daughter. She is working to support herself and her daughter."
All these women could have had a better life if they were not victims of child marriage. To end child marriage, UNICEF and UNFPA are working simultaneously. However, our government needs to co-operate as well. Female education should be given priority for this because young girls are mostly victims of child marriage.
Not only this, but also educating the parents and communities is important too. They should be educated about the proper law enforcement and the punishments regarding child marriage by the help of the society, government and other organisations. Only then we can lower the rate of child marriage.
