Outrage Over Child Marriage in Bangladesh: Menstruation Seen as ‘Maturity’ for Marriage

Dhaka, Bangladesh — Human rights advocates and community leaders are raising alarm over a traditional practice in some rural areas of Bangladesh that allows girls to be married once they reach menstruation, considering it a sign of maturity. This practice, deeply rooted in cultural norms, has sparked widespread outrage, with critics emphasizing that it exposes minors to early pregnancy, serious health risks, and the interruption or complete loss of education.

According to UNICEF and local NGOs, Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with nearly 59% of women aged 20–24 having been married before the age of 18. In some remote villages, the belief persists that a girl’s first menstruation signals readiness for marriage and childbearing. Families often view early marriage as a way to secure financial stability or preserve social honor, despite the considerable dangers it poses to young girls.

Medical experts warn that early pregnancy carries serious risks, including increased rates of maternal mortality, obstetric complications, and long-term health issues for both mother and child. Dr. Anika Rahman, a gynecologist in Dhaka, explains, “A girl’s body is often not fully developed for pregnancy or childbirth at such a young age. Early marriage and early pregnancy can have devastating consequences on her physical and mental health.”

Education advocates argue that child marriage disrupts schooling and severely limits future opportunities for girls. By marrying off children at a young age, families inadvertently trap them in cycles of poverty and dependence. “Girls who are married early are far less likely to complete their education,” says Farida Islam, an education activist working in rural Bangladesh. “Without education, they lose autonomy and the ability to make informed choices about their lives.”

The cultural justification for the practice is rooted in longstanding traditions, but human rights organizations emphasize that cultural practices cannot override fundamental rights. Local NGOs, including BRAC and Ain o Salish Kendra, have been working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide counseling, and educate communities about the dangers of child marriage. Campaigns include community workshops, media outreach, and advocacy at the governmental level to enforce laws that set the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 for women and 21 for men.

International organizations have also condemned the practice. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued a statement emphasizing that child marriage violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. “Child marriage is not only a violation of basic human rights, it perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and health disparities,” the statement reads.

Despite legal prohibitions, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in rural and isolated regions where traditional norms dominate daily life. Local authorities often struggle to monitor marriages in remote villages, and families sometimes circumvent laws through informal ceremonies or fraudulent documentation. “Laws alone are not enough,” says Shakil Ahmed, a social worker in northern Bangladesh. “Communities need education, incentives, and alternatives so that families understand the harm of marrying off children early.”

Public outcry has intensified following reports of tragic outcomes linked to child marriage. Stories of young girls suffering from pregnancy complications or forced early motherhood circulate widely in local media and on social networks, galvanizing support for change. Advocacy groups are increasingly pushing for community-driven solutions that respect cultural identities while safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.

Several pilot programs in Bangladesh have shown promise. These initiatives combine education scholarships, vocational training, and public awareness campaigns to delay marriage and encourage girls to remain in school. By providing tangible alternatives, communities are gradually shifting attitudes, demonstrating that progress is possible even in areas with deeply entrenched cultural practices.

The debate over child marriage in Bangladesh underscores a global challenge. While significant legal frameworks exist to protect minors, traditional practices, economic pressures, and social expectations continue to perpetuate the cycle of early marriage. Experts agree that sustained advocacy, combined with accessible education and healthcare services, is essential to eradicate child marriage entirely.

In conclusion, the practice of marrying off girls upon reaching menstruation in parts of Bangladesh has provoked national and international condemnation. The consequences—ranging from health risks and early pregnancy to disrupted education and curtailed personal freedoms—highlight the urgent need for comprehensive action. Human rights organizations, government agencies, and local communities are increasingly working together to protect minors, enforce existing laws, and promote awareness campaigns that challenge outdated cultural norms. The battle against child marriage remains ongoing, but with coordinated efforts, advocates hope to secure a future where every girl can grow up safe, educated, and empowered to make choices about her own life.