Switzerland, UNFPA join hands to end child marriage in BD

Swiss Ambassador in Dhaka Christian Fotsch on Wednesday said child marriage is a threat to prosperity apart from undermining the development initiatives of the government and its partners in Bangladesh. 'It's time for policymakers, parliamentarians, communities, families and young people to address this issue as early as possible. This is why the Swiss Embassy supports UNFPA to spread the message and to raise awareness,' he said.The envoy made the remark after signing a partnership agreement between the Embassy of Switzerland and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh for continuing a media campaign to end child marriage in Bangladesh. The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Switzerland. The total budget for production and airing of this project is approximately US $ 150,000, of which the contribution from Switzerland is 40,000 Swiss Francs (approx. US $ 44,543) and UNFPA will contribute US $ 105,457, according to UNB.