In our society, many girls are still married off at a young age during their school years. This harmful practice of child marriage not only robs them of their childhood but also creates a serious barrier to their secondary education.
Secondary school is a crucial period when students build the foundation for their future. But for many girls, this journey is abruptly halted. When married young, they face household responsibilities, social expectations, and often motherhood-far too early. As a result, their education, dreams, and mental well-being are severely disrupted.
Child marriage doesn't just end classroom learning. It isolates girls from their friends, reduces their confidence, and limits their ability to think about a future beyond their homes. In lower- and middle-income families, the situation is worse. Many parents believe early marriage ensures a girl's "safety," not realizing they are sacrificing her independence and potential.
Despite existing laws against child marriage in Bangladesh, enforcement remains weak. Families continue to arrange such marriages, often with community support or silence. To stop this cycle, we need strong awareness and action from all sides including families, teachers, society and the government.
Parents must support their daughters' education and delay marriage. Teachers and friends should encourage girls to stay in school. Laws must be enforced strictly. And as a society, we must stop treating girls as burdens and start seeing them as future leaders, professionals, and changemakers.
Every girl deserves the chance to study, dream, and grow up on her own terms. Stopping child marriage is not just a legal issue, it's a moral responsibility.
Jannati Akter
Student
Jumarbari High School
Saghata
Gaibandha