Accra:International Day of the Girl Child is being observed across the country with the theme "End child marriage and invest in girls' rights," highlighting significant challenges faced by girls in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, child marriage remains a major barrier to the advancement of girls in Bangladesh. The 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF, reveals that 47.2 percent of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, and 13.4 percent before 15. Among women aged 18-49, 56 percent were married before 18, indicating widespread prevalence despite progress.
The survey highlights regional disparities Rajshahi Division has a 67 percent rate of women married before 18, followed by Khulna at 65 percent, Rangpur at 63 percent, Barishal at 61 percent, and Dhaka at 53 percent. Sylhet Division has a comparatively lower rate of 29 percent.
Child marriage is linked to socioeconomic factors, with 65 percent of women from the poorest households marrying before 18, compared to 42 percent from wealthier households. Poverty, social insecurity, dowry pressure, and cultural norms contribute to this issue, necessitating social and economic interventions alongside legal enforcement.
The practice has serious implications for girls' health and education, increasing risks of early pregnancy complications, malnutrition, and dropout from school. These challenges limit personal development and future employment opportunities, raising risks of domestic violence and psychological distress.
Efforts to combat child marriage in Bangladesh include enforcing the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, which sets minimum marriage ages at 21 for males and 18 for females, with exceptions under certain conditions. Local monitoring and coordination among community organizations and government agencies are essential.
Preventing child marriage involves ensuring girls' education through financial support, safe transport, and technical skills training. Tailored programs in high-risk areas, social protection initiatives, and addressing climate change impacts are also crucial for safeguarding girls' futures.
Observing October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child, a United Nations initiative since 2012, underscores the importance of guaranteeing girls' rights as a foundation for national development. The day serves as a reminder to move beyond rhetoric and ensure girls receive quality education, healthcare, and opportunities to choose their futures.