World · Bangladesh Bureau
Child marriage persists as families arrange unions for pre-teens
Despite legal prohibitions, child marriage continues across South Asia, with families arranging weddings for children under 12 years old. Advocates warn the practice undermines education and perpetuates cycles of poverty and abuse.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Child marriage remains a persistent challenge in the region, with families arranging unions for children not yet in their teenage years, defying national laws and international conventions designed to protect minors.
The practice typically stems from economic hardship, cultural traditions, and misconceptions about girls' safety and worth. Parents in impoverished communities often view early marriage as a way to reduce financial burdens or secure their daughters' futures through family alliances. In many cases, girls are married to significantly older men, creating dangerous power imbalances.
Physical and psychological harms associated with early marriage are well-documented. Child brides frequently abandon schooling, face serious health complications from early pregnancy, and experience elevated rates of domestic violence. The interruption of education perpetuates intergenerational poverty and limits economic opportunities for affected girls.
Governments across South Asia have established legal marriage age requirements, typically set at 18 for girls and higher for boys. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and loopholes—including parental or judicial consent provisions—continue enabling child marriage despite legal frameworks.
Human rights organizations stress that combating child marriage requires multifaceted approaches: strengthening law enforcement, improving girls' access to education, expanding economic support for vulnerable families, and shifting cultural attitudes toward child protection and women's rights.