Cox’s Bazar Youths Speak Out Against Child Marriage and Discrimination

The younger generation of Cox’s Bazar has issued a strong, collective statement against child marriage, drug abuse, and gender discrimination, calling for immediate societal reform.

They made these remarks during a lively panel discussion titled "Identifying Negative Social Customs Including Child Marriage and Preventing Their Harmful Effects" held on Thursday at the Uni Resort conference room in Kalatoli, Cox's Bazar. The event was organized by World Vision Bangladesh under its Child Safety Net Project to empower youth and foster a healthier society.

The seminar brought together 100 adolescents from five local unions and municipalities. During the introductory session, the participants openly shared their experiences regarding psychological stress, drug abuse, eve-teasing, and gender bias aggravated by social media.

"The trend of early marriage is still pushed onto us, ignoring our opinions," several teenage girls shared during the discussion. "We have dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, pilots, journalists, or administrators. If our families support us, we can lead social change."

Other youth participants emphasized that child marriage severely damages a girl's life while stalling the development of both families and the wider community.

Opening the event, Partha Pratim Bagchi, World Vision’s Mobilization and System Strengthening Officer, explained that the organization is deeply committed to securing safe environments for youth. "The primary goal of this project is to build confidence in adolescents so they can protect their rights and drive positive changes," he said.

Chief Guest Subrata Biswas, Deputy Director of the Department of Child Affairs, emphasized the duties of the community. "It is the responsibility of the state and society to protect a girl's dreams, education, and future. Families must understand that education and skills—not early marriage—shape a child’s life."

Senior journalist Javed Abedin Shaheen highlighted the media's role, noting that while writing against social evils is a professional and moral duty, laws and media coverage are not enough. "We must awaken family and social values. An aware youth population can put an end to these injustices."

Addressing religious perspectives, Maulvi Md. Kamal Uddin, President of the Bangladesh National Imam Association, stated, "Religion never supports injustice. Islam places the highest importance on education, humanity, and the dignity of women. There is absolutely no room for legitimizing child marriage by misinterpreting religion."

Representing law enforcement, Police Inspector Md. Yusuf of Cox’s Bazar Model Police Station warned that child marriage causes severe physical, mental, and educational harm to children, hindering overall social progress.

Echoing these points, Cox’s Bazar Government Academic Supervisor Rashedul Hasan reiterated that a safe future and education are fundamental rights that families must prioritize over early marriage.

The program concluded with remarks from Jayashree Purification, Advocacy, Campaign, and Accountability Coordinator, who smoothly conducted the event. She called for a united front, stating, "Families, society, religious leaders, schools, and youth must work together. Only widespread awareness can build a safe, non-discriminatory, and equal society."