Courtyard meeting held to curb child marriage in Sirajganj

To raise awareness regarding the hazards of early marriage and eradicate the social menace, the Ullapara upazila unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised a courtyard meeting in Sirajganj on Sunday.

The meeting took place at Koyra Krishtopur village in Koyra union, bringing together local women to discuss the legal implications, health risks, and prevention strategies concerning child marriage.

Ullapara Upazila Women Affairs Officer Nilufar Yasmin attended the event as the chief guest. She noted that early wedlock heightens maternal and infant health hazards, triggers domestic strife, escalates gender-based violence, and leads to marital breakdowns.

"Under prevailing laws, the minimum legal age of marriage is 18 for women and 21 for men. Parents must refrain from marrying off their children before this threshold, remain vigilant regarding eve-teasing, and report any planned child marriages to local authorities," Nilufar said.

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Speaking as a special guest, Koyra Union Parishad reserved female member Mst Shefali Khatun stressed that forced unions without a daughter's consent must end, urging local representatives and parents to exercise greater responsibility. Kaler Kantho Ullapara representative Ataur Rahman Raju was also present.

Presided over by Bashundhara Shuvosangho Ullapara unit President Prof Rasheda Sultana Rosy, the meeting was attended by General Secretary Shah Alam, Organising Secretary Monirul Islam, Imran Hasan Alif, Shamima Afroz, Sharmila Swapna, Sajal, and Rawshan Ara Riju, alongside community members.