Prevalence of child marriage on the rise

Child marriage, once largely confined to poor and rural communities, is now spreading into educated and middle-class families. Fears of sexual harassment, social pressure, anxiety over losing a “good match”, and setbacks in education are leading many parents to view early marriage as a form of protection and a solution for their daughters. This trend is creating fresh concern.

There is a growing tendency to equate girls’ safety with child marriage. Many families, fearing sexual harassment, consider early marriage to be an easy way to “protect” their daughters. A study titled “Child Marriage in Bangladesh: Causes, Consequences and Legal Framework”, published in 2013 by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School, found that families harbour deep concerns about sexual harassment. The belief that marrying daughters off early ensures their safety is particularly prevalent among middle-class households, and formal education alone has not been sufficient to dispel this notion.

A new trend among educated families

Another emerging pattern within educated and middle-class families is the tendency to see marriage as a “solution” if a girl fails exams or does not achieve expected academic results. This indicates that child marriage is not merely a consequence of illiteracy; a lack of awareness is also a major factor.

An article published in the international research journal Springer in 2024 notes that a segment of Bangladesh’s middle and upper-middle-class families perceive excessive freedom for girls as risky. The belief that girls become “too independent” when attending college or university prompts some families to arrange marriages while they are still in school.

Researchers Shanta Akter Mim, Abu Sayeed Md Al Mamun, Abu Sayem, Abdul Wadud and Golam Hossain observed that many families consider early marriage justified out of fear of missing the opportunity to secure a “good match”.

Real-life examples

Promi, the only daughter of Azad Islam from Sonaimuri in Noakhali, was married at the age of 16 while studying in the eleventh grade to a young expatriate living in Qatar. Her father, himself based in Saudi Arabia, said the decision was made because a “good match” was found.

A similar case occurred with Swarna, the only daughter of a businessman in the same village. Despite being financially well-off, she was married at 17 to a suitor living abroad.

Like the families of Promi and Swarna, many affluent households are marrying off their daughters early to avoid losing suitable matches.

More recently, model Simrin Lubaba drew attention after announcing her marriage at the age of 15, highlighting once again that the risk of child marriage persists even among educated and wealthy families.

Economic and social realities

A UNICEF study titled “Fear for Girls’ Safety” states that poorer families often marry off daughters early to ease financial pressure. Meanwhile, in educated and affluent families, concerns over social status, relationship complexities and safety also encourage child marriage.

Research by Zahidul Islam of Dhaka University, Nishat Tasnim of Begum Rokeya University and Sabur Hossain shows that in rural areas, beliefs such as lower dowry demands at a younger age and the idea that “a daughter’s marriage is a matter of honour” remain major barriers to preventing child marriage.

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A study by Plan International identifies lack of education and awareness in rural areas, along with weak administrative oversight, as key factors behind the persistence of child marriage.

Additionally, fears over romantic relationships, concerns about social stigma, and pressure that a girl has “reached marriageable age” also contribute to the practice.

Statistical picture

A survey supported by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF found that the child marriage rate was 52 percent in 2015, dropping to 35 percent in 2016. However, UNICEF data shows it rose again to 59.2 percent in 2017, while the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey recorded it at 59 percent in 2018.

According to BBS’s Sample Vital Statistics 2023, the rate stood at 46.8 percent in 2019, 34.6 percent in 2020, 33.8 percent in 2021, 42.9 percent in 2022, and 44.4 percent in 2023.

A report by DW states that if the current rate of decline (around 2 percent annually) continues, it could take approximately 215 years for Bangladesh to eliminate child marriage. Even if the rate of reduction doubles, BBS estimates the prevalence would still be around 30 percent by 2030.

Health risks

Child marriage poses serious health risks for women. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 71 out of every 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 become mothers of one or more children. The current maternal mortality rate in the country stands at 115 per 100,000.

Measures for prevention

Studies emphasise that both families and society have crucial roles to play in preventing child marriage. It is essential to prioritise girls’ education, ensure their health and uphold their right to make decisions. At the same time, creating a safe social environment, raising awareness and fostering positive attitudes are necessary.

Chandan Z Gomez, Senior Director and Head of World Vision Bangladesh’s child marriage prevention project, said the disruption in education during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a rise in child marriage. Although laws exist, their effective and consistent enforcement at the local level is essential. “Society must firmly establish that child marriage is a crime,” he said.

Rasheda K Choudhury, former adviser to the caretaker government, said that given the current situation of violence and harassment against women, safety has become a greater concern for parents than economic stability. In many areas, the distance to secondary schools and colleges heightens safety concerns, leading parents to view marriage as an easy solution.

She stressed that coordinated efforts are needed among relevant ministries, including health, education, information and local government. Raising awareness among marriage registrars and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws are also crucial.