Ridding society of dowry --

Despite being legally prohibited, dowry still exists in our society. Many marriages in Bangladesh take place with the transfer of dowry from the bride's family to the groom's. The government has introduced legislation to prevent this practice and made it a punishable offence. However, the incidents of taking or giving dowry have not yet stopped. Many people still demand dowry in the name of gifts. The nature of such a practice has turned so extreme that it leads to discrimination, domestic violence, and sometimes even suicide, or murder. It also leads to financial constraints and violence against women who fail to meet excessive dowry demands.

Many families wrongly believe that giving dowries to their daughters will secure their future. But it does more harm than good. Rising inflation and dwindling purchasing power have led to increased demands for dowry as well as greater challenges for girls' families. The prevalence of dowry fosters a culture where daughters are seen as burdens. Their education is neglected and they have few opportunities for personal growth as parents prioritise saving money for their dowries.

The government needs to address this menace by imposing strict legal measures to deter people from giving and taking dowries. Those involved in dowry-related offences should be penalised. Laws should be designed to protect the rights of women and create a safe environment for them. The government should create toll-free numbers and organisations for women to report instances of dowry harassment or violence. It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness, challenge this custom and strive for a society that respects the dignity, autonomy, and rights of every individual.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

ilcbd2008@gmail.com