Global Educational Research Journal

Child Marriage in Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects for Change

Abstract

Child marriage remains a pressing social issue in Bangladesh, despite significant advancements in education and women's rights. Defined as a marriage in which at least one party is below the age of 18, it disproportionately affects girls, hindering their access to education, economic opportunities, and health. This article examines the cultural, economic, and legal factors driving child marriage in Bangladesh, alongside the detrimental impacts on young girls and society. Efforts to combat the practice, including government policies, legal frameworks, and community-based initiatives, are discussed. By identifying gaps in implementation and societal attitudes, the paper concludes with recommendations to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which seeks to eliminate all harmful practices, including child marriage.

Keywords: Child marriage, Bangladesh, gender inequality, education, cultural norms, SDGs