Bangladesh tops in child marriage rate in Asia: UNICEF

DHAKA: Bangladesh continues to grapple with high rates of child marriage, gender inequality, violence, and limited opportunities for girls, as revealed by a recent global report. The report, titled 'Girl Goals: What has changed for girls? Adolescent Girls' Rights Over 30 Years', was released by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International to mark International Women's Day. The report highlights that Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia, with over 50 percent of girls being married off before the age of 18. This alarming statistic places Bangladesh among the top nations globally struggling with this harmful practice.

Emphasizing the importance of investing in adolescent girls, the report points out that such investments not only empower individuals but also contribute significantly to the economic development and stability of communities and nations.

The report assesses progress made by countries since the 1995 Beijing Declaration, acknowledging advancements in various areas, including education and healthcare access.

However, it raises concerns over persistent challenges faced by adolescent girls in Bangladesh, particularly regarding inequalities, violence, and restricted educational and economic opportunities.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF's representative in Bangladesh, stressed the urgent need for change. "Adolescent girls in Bangladesh want to contribute to a flourishing Bangladesh where they can embrace opportunities and support their country to thrive. Yet, barriers and discrimination continue to hold them and their country back," he said.

Flowers highlighted that access to life skills and digital literacy is crucial, but addressing the concerning rates of child marriage and violence against girls remains a top priority. He warned that these issues often lead to early and risky childbearing, which can endanger the lives of both mother and child.

"This International Women's Day, let's break barriers and create equal opportunities, inspiring hope for all. We must amplify girls' voices and ensure their participation in decision-making," Flowers added.

He urged the Bangladesh government to invest more in adolescent health services, strengthen the social work sector, and improve education, nutrition, life skills, and digital literacy for girls to unlock their potential.

The report reveals that Bangladesh ranks eighth globally in terms of child marriage rates and tops the list in Asia. It states that 51.4 percent of Bangladeshi women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18. This practice continues to deepen poverty, risk girls' health, and hinder their potential, ultimately affecting Bangladesh's economic growth. (IANS)

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