Child Marriage Issue in Bangladesh
Child marriage continues to be a significant concern in Bangladesh, with alarming statistics revealing the prevalence of young women being married off before they reach adulthood.
Key Findings
- In 2023, 8.2 percent of young women were married before the age of 15, marking an increase from 6.5 percent in 2022.
- A recent government survey of married women aged 20-24 in over 308,000 households unveiled that 41.6 percent were married before turning 18.
- The percentage of child marriages has been on the rise, with figures showing an increase from 31.3 percent in 2020 to 41.6 percent in 2023.
Factors Contributing to Child Marriage
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of child marriage in Bangladesh, including:
- Poverty
- Lack of education
- Cultural and social norms
In rural areas, girls are often viewed as economic burdens, leading families to marry them off at a young age to alleviate financial strain.
Legal Framework
The legal age for marriage in Bangladesh is 18 for females and 21 for males as per the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017. Despite efforts to curb child marriage, the practice remains widespread.
Insights from Experts
Shaheen Anam, the executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation, highlighted some key drivers behind child marriage:
“The main drivers include social norms, safety concerns, and poverty. Marrying off daughters is often seen as a solution to prevent elopement, ensure security, and reduce financial burdens, especially in climate change-affected and remote areas.”
