Religious leaders and public representatives in Cox’s Bazar have taken a united stand against child marriage, setting a target to declare three unions Bharuakhali, Khurushkul and Jhilanja completely "Child Marriage-Free" by mid-September.
The commitment was made during a special seminar organized by the international development organization World Vision Bangladesh on Tuesday (May 19) at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Parishad.
Operating under the slogan, “Education, not child marriage, is the path to a child’s future,” the event gathered over 100 imams, religious leaders, journalists and local government officials. Speakers emphasized that enforcing laws alone cannot eradicate the social curse of early marriage. They called for a broader grassroots movement, urging religious leaders to actively raise awareness during sermons.
Partha Pratim Bagchi, an official from World Vision Bangladesh, highlighted the severe impact of early marriage on a child's potential. “If families, educational institutions and community leaders work together, child marriage can be stopped. Our dream is to see every girl pursue higher education and build a self-reliant future, rather than becoming a burden,” he said.
Nasir Uddin, Acting Chairman of Khurushkul Union and the event's chief guest, pledged full administrative support. “As local representatives, we are committed to providing all necessary field-level support to these three unions to achieve the September target,” he noted.
Presiding over the seminar, Maulana Kamal Uddin, Imam of the Cox’s Bazar Barabazar Jame Masjid, clarified the religious perspective. “Islam advocates for humanity, education and a prosperous life; it does not support child marriage. Today, women's education is our greatest tool to prevent this practice,” he stated.
The seminar concluded with all attendees taking a unanimous oath to socially resist and prevent any future child marriages in their respective communities.
