Child marriage is still a big problem in Bangladesh, even though there are laws against it and many efforts have been made to stop it. A new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), called the State of World Population 2025, shows just how serious the issue still is. Between 2006 and 2024, about 51% of girls in Bangladesh got married before they turned 18. This means that Bangladesh has the highest child marriage rate in South Asia.
Child marriage is not just a social or cultural issue, it is a serious problem that affects many parts of life. Forcing young girls to marry often means they have to stop going to school. This harms not only the girls themselves but also their families and the entire country’s future. This means they miss the chance to learn, gain skills and later find good jobs. Without education, these girls are less likely to earn money or become independent. As a result, Bangladesh loses a large group of people who could help grow the economy and make the country stronger.
Child marriage also causes serious health problems. Young girls who marry early often become mothers too soon. Their bodies may not be ready for pregnancy and childbirth, which increases the risk of death and other health issues for both the mother and the baby. These health problems also place a heavy burden on families and hospitals. Many of these families are already poor and the cost of healthcare makes it even harder for them to escape poverty.
This cycle where girls marry at young, have children early, drop out of school and remain poor. And it continues generation after generation. If we do not stop it, the future of these girls and the progress of our country will both be in danger.
Bangladesh must act now to end child marriage completely. The government needs to take action instead of merely discussing it. Laws must be followed and anyone breaking them should be held responsible. Local leaders, teachers and families all have an important role to play in stopping early marriage. At the same time, we need to support girls by keeping them in school, teaching them useful skills and creating job opportunities for them when they grow up.
Other countries around the world are focusing on giving girls better futures. Bangladesh cannot afford to fall behind. The more we delay, the more damage we do to our society and our economy.
Ending child marriage is not just the right thing to do, it is necessary for building a better, stronger future for everyone. Let’s work together, before it’s too late, to protect our girls and give them the chance to live full, healthy and successful lives.
