Child marriage on rise

Child marriage is on the rise in Shajahanpur upazila of the district despite the local administration's efforts to prevent it.

Although a mobile court, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Shafiul Islam, in separate drives jailed 28 and fined 19 people for arranging marriage of underage girls and boys in the last five months, it is increasing.

Husne Nur Rashid Rupali, district project officer of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) in Bogra, said illiteracy, poverty, greediness of getting dowry money and superstitions are the main reasons behind early marriage. 

Building awareness among school students and public representatives is their first priority to eradicate child marriage, she said, adding that they are working on it. 

The convicts include illiterate guardians, dishonest marriage registrars, imams and public representatives like union parishad chairmen and members. 

Asked about the reason behind the rise in early marriage, the UNO blamed the ill motive of a section of vested quarters and matchmakers. 

As child marriage is now a social disease, awareness against its bad impact will be built among all for eradication, he said.