Child marriage is not a new thing in Bangladesh. It was, however, gradually reduced over the last two decades. Different efforts by the government and awareness building helped improve the situation. But the situation was yet to reach a fully satisfactory level. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic reversed the course. Newspaper reports showed that more than 50 girl students of a Tangail school have become victims of early marriage. It is also learnt that 50 girl students of the Satkhira-based Alipur Adarsha Girls High School became victims of child marriage. Almost all the girls are from poor families. Due to 19 months closure of schools, parents arranged their marriage to get rid of a mouth to be fed and other expenses involved.
The whole thing indicates that poverty is still deep in many parts of the country. Covid makes the poverty situation worse. Moreover, there was no social intervention to stop child marriage. When schools were open, sometimes school authorities stepped in to stop the early marriage of girl students. So it is time to enhance awareness among the parents, family members and neighbours about the negative side of early marriage. The government also needs to provide financial support to poor families. Social safety nets should also be extended. Additional stipends for girl students may also be introduced.
Farzana Naz
Moghbazar, Dhaka
fjharna70@gmail.com