Letters to the editor
Bangladesh regrettably leads Asian countries in child marriage
Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia with 73 per cent girls getting married before they become 18 years old, revealed a survey report by �Plan international�, an international child rights organization, at a function on Dhaka University campus on November 10.
Sir,
It is quite worrying to note that marriages of underage girls are going on unabated in different places of our country. This vital social issue has triggered a lot of concern in recent times. Ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, academicians and social thinkers articulated their views on this issue. But nothing could stop this scourge that has come as a formidable challenge for an overpopulated and resource constrainted country like Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia with 73 per cent girls getting married before they become 18 years old, revealed a survey report by Plan international, an international child rights organization, at a function on Dhaka University campus on November 10. The survey was conducted on three countries in Asia-- Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The government wants to control the unbridled population growth in the country. But if girls are married off at the age of 16, will it not contribute to reckless population growth in the country ? How this conflicting policy will help the government achieve the goal ? Why has the government kept the option that girls can be given in marriage even at the age of 16 in special cases is not understandable. What benefit will it bring to the people of the country ?
Marriages of underage girls are taking place rampantly in different places of the country, particularly in rural areas. How many cases are detected and actions taken against those responsible ?
A girl may attain puberty even at age 12 or 13. This gives her physical ability to procreate. But procreation is not all. Physical, mental and intellectual maturity are needed for a planned family life.
Besides, women have to confront many ills like dowry, divorce, rigors of repeated child-bearing, malnutrition and broken health. Taking all these into consideration government should strictly resist underage marriage immediately.
Fahmida Akhter
Tejkunipara, Dhaka
