Not only girls, but boys are also becoming victims of child marriage… Shocking report in Bangladesh survey

Despite the increase in the number of schoolgirls in Bangladesh, a recent study has revealed that the issue of child marriage is becoming quite serious in the neighboring country. Researchers have reported through a report 'Status Analysis of Child Rights and Welfare in Bangladesh 2024' that boys in Bangladesh are also becoming victims of child marriage.

To prepare this report, a survey was conducted in 11 districts of Bangladesh. Presenting the findings of the report, Mohammad Adnan Rahman, Portfolio Manager of Inspire Advisory and Consulting, said that preliminary data shows that the prevalence of child marriage has increased in the year 2023 as compared to 2022.

Child marriage statistics are on the rise.

Researchers have not included the data on child marriage in 2024 in this report as this study was conducted between 15 September and 15 December. According to the data, in 2022, 40.9 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before they turned 18, in 2023 this figure rose to 41.6 percent. Not only this, 8.2 percent of these women were married before they turned 15.

This is the real reason behind child marriage.

Responding to a question, Adnan Rehman said that the real reasons behind this have not changed, such as poverty, inadequate social security, religious concerns, the incidence of child marriage of girls, access to non-restricted equipment, and climate-related issues.

Adnan said that due to easy access to mobile devices and the internet, children are getting involved in sexual activities at an early age, due to which their families feel uneasy and make decisions as per social-religious customs. Due to this children are married at an early age.

Supporting these findings, POPI Deputy Director Sina Choudhury said that they have seen an increase in child marriage rates not only in rural areas but also in urban and suburban areas.

Compromises being made in rape and sexual abuse cases

Fahmida Akhtar Rinki, legal officer of Dhaka Medical College at OCC, said that incidents like rape and sexual abuse are not matters of civil settlement. However, unfortunately, when a victim leaves a government shelter, families often enter into a settlement that results in child marriage.

Arzoo Ara Begum, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (MOWCA), says that the government takes strict measures against child marriage. The situation becomes more challenging when intervention is made after both parties have borne the entire cost of the marriage.

Advocating for strict laws for the welfare of children

Educo Bangladesh's Policy and Advocacy Manager Halima Akhtar advocated the establishment of a separate directorate and legislation aimed at preventing and combating sexual abuse for the welfare of children. MOWCA Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed, who was present as the chief guest at the event, stressed that for the better future of the country, the needs of children should be placed above all aspects of development.

For this, he has appealed to NGOs and INGOs for help to the government so that timely action can be taken in cases like child marriage.