An awareness and briefing meeting was held in Muksudpur, Gopalganj to raise awareness and discuss measures to prevent child marriage. The meeting was organized by the Upazila Administration on Wednesday with Muksudpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmud Ashik Kabir in the chair.
The meeting discussed the harmful effects of child marriage, its social and family consequences and the responsibilities of public representatives, teachers, guardians, marriage registrars (Kazi), and people from all walks of life alongside the administration, in preventing the practice.
In his speech UNO Mahmud Ashik Kabir said “Child marriage is a social disease. It is not merely a family problem; it is also a major challenge for society and the state.” He stressed that alongside enforcing the law, public awareness must be increased to prevent child marriage. He added that if information about preparations for a child marriage is received from any area the Upazila Administration should be informed immediately so that necessary action can be taken.
He further said that children must be given the opportunity to continue their education until they reach the appropriate age to ensure a better future. Families and communities must play a responsible and proactive role in preventing child marriage.
The speakers included Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abirul Islam, Upazila Social Services Officer Md. Rakibul Islam Shuvo, Muksudpur Upazila BNP President Abdul Salam Khan, General Secretary Md. Tariqul Islam Raju, Muksudpur Municipality BNP General Secretary Md. Mashiur Rahman Mintu and Muksudpur Press Club President Md. Chiru Mia.
Kazi Paresh Biswas a representative of the Hindu community, also spoke at the meeting. He said religious and social values should be utilized to create awareness among families and communities about the harmful consequences of child marriage. Ensuring educational opportunities for girls and raising awareness among parents can significantly help prevent child marriage. He emphasized that responsible members of society must come forward alongside the administration.
Chairmen from various unions of the upazila and marriage registrars (Kazi) were also present at the meeting.
The speakers said child marriage disrupts girls’ education and normal development while also having negative effects on their physical and mental well-being. Therefore families, public representatives, teachers, marriage registrars, journalists and conscious citizens must work together to prevent child marriage.
At the conclusion of the meeting everyone was urged to immediately inform the Upazila Administration if they receive any information about the arrangement or preparation of a child marriage anywhere in the upazila.
