By Khadija Akter Lita, from Netrakona
“An underage child cannot give birth to another child.” With this slogan, a strong message against child marriage was voiced at a school campaign in Netrakona. The event highlighted child marriage as a grave social crime that threatens children’s physical and mental health, deprives them of their future, and increases maternal and child mortality risks.
As part of the awareness program, 240 students of Laxiganj High School in Netrakona Sadar upazila participated in a red-card campaign and discussion session arranged by BARCIK recently. The meeting was presided over by the school’s head teacher, Rokhsana Begum, and women’s rights activist and vice-president of Atpara Upazila’s Violence Prevention Committee, Fauzia Nasrin, BARCIK’s regional coordinator Md. Ohidur Rahman, along with teachers and students participated as guests of the event.
Speaking at the discussion, Fauzia Nasrin said, “Child marriage robs children of their childhood and prevents their social and mental development. It hinders overall progress in society. To build a healthy and educated nation, ending child marriage is a must.”
The speakers also reminded participants about the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, under which any adult arranging child marriage is subject to imprisonment, fines, or both.
Head teacher Rokhsana Begum, in her speech said, “We must all raise our voices against child marriage and protect both our sons and daughters from this harmful practice. Say ‘no’ to child marriage and work for a healthier future.”
The program ended with students displaying red cards and carrying placards with anti-child marriage slogans, pledging to resist the practice in their communities.
