A mobile court in Narsingdi's Monohardi upazila today prevented a child marriage and fined the involved parties Tk 1 lakh. The intervention took place in Pirpur village under Khidirpur Union after authorities received information about the planned marriage. Upazila Women Affairs Officer Rehana Akter, working with Monohardi Police Station, stopped the marriage. Verification of the bride's birth registration revealed she was 14 years, three months, and seven days old, making her a sixth-grade student at a local school. The marriage violated the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, leading to the fine. Written undertakings were obtained from the guardians of both the bride and groom, ensuring they would not attempt to marry the girl before she reaches the legal age of 18. Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Monohardi Md Sajib Mia conducted the mobile court.
Child marriages are a significant issue in Bangladesh, despite legal prohibitions. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 for both males and females, with exceptions only in cases of extreme circumstances and with court approval. Mobile courts play a crucial role in enforcing this law by conducting surprise checks and imposing penalties on offenders. These courts are part of a broader effort to combat child marriage and protect the rights of minors.
The incident in Narsingdi highlights the ongoing efforts to enforce child marriage laws and protect young girls from early marriages. The fine imposed serves as a deterrent and emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal age requirements for marriage. Community awareness and strict enforcement are vital in reducing the prevalence of child marriages in the region.
