Dhaka:International Day of the Girl Child is being marked in Bangladesh today, aligning with global efforts to address issues affecting girls, under the theme "End child marriage and invest in girls' rights."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, child marriage is a significant barrier to the progress 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, with 13.4 percent married before 15. Furthermore, 56 percent of women aged 18-49 were married before reaching 18, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of child marriage despite some improvements.
The survey indicates regional disparities in child marriage rates, with Rajshahi Division at 67 percent and Khulna Division at 65 percent for women aged 18-49 married before 18. In contrast, Sylhet Division has the lowest rate at 29 percent. Child marriage is closely linked to socioeconomic conditions, with 65 percent of women from the poorest households married before 18, compared to 42 percent from the wealthiest households.
Child marriage not only hinders personal development and education but also poses risks to girls' physical and mental health, increasing the likelihood of early pregnancy complications, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare. Many girls are forced to leave school and assume household responsibilities, limiting their future opportunities and increasing the risk of domestic violence and social isolation.
Bangladesh's Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, sets the minimum marriage age at 21 for males and 18 for females, with exceptions under special circumstances. Effective enforcement, local monitoring, and coordination among community stakeholders are crucial for preventing child marriage.
Efforts to prevent child marriage must include healthcare access, nutrition, mental health services, and reproductive health education. Ensuring continued education for girls, especially in areas with high child marriage rates, is vital. Programs should focus on educational assistance, safe transportation, and skill development for girls from low-income families.
The initiative to observe the International Day of the Girl Child began at the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing, with the UN General Assembly declaring October 11 as the day in 2011. Observed globally since 2012, the day emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing girls' rights for the country's long-term development. Ensuring a safe childhood and freedom for girls to make their own choices through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities is the central goal.