Keeping in mind the slogan “Cholo Amra Kori Protibad Sohingsota Bondhe tuli RedCard”, a dialogue was held in Bhola with children, adolescents and youth.This dialogue was held in the conference room of Bhola Sadar Hospital on Monday (December 9) morning.
More than fifty members of the adolescent club and young women participated in it. At this time, adolescents and youth were called upon to play a role in reducing the rate of child marriage in Bhola district with the concerted efforts of everyone. At this time, they demanded sensitive treatment of girls and took an oath to prevent child marriage at any cost and not support it. Dr. Sheikh Sufian Rustom, Assistant Director of Bhola Sadar Hospital, was present as the chief guest at the discussion organized by Bhola District Information Office and in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh.
UNICEF’s Barisal Divisional Social and Behavior Change Officer Sanjit Kumar Das, Sushilon Project Officer Palash Morol, Youth Leader Adil Hossain Topu and others were present as special guests.
Bhola District Information Officer Shah Abdur Rahim Nurannabi presided over the program. 61 percent of girls in Bhola district are victims of child marriage. The rate of child marriage is still high due to poverty, family ignorance, geographical location, religion and social prejudice. Although child marriage has decreased with the progress of education, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have become obstacles to this achievement. In this situation, young people were called upon to play a role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by eliminating child marriage by 2030.
A study conducted by UNICEF on the situation of violence against children and child marriage in the country was presented at the event. Sanjit Kumar Das, an officer of the organization’s regional office, presented it. The study showed that 30 percent of educated people in the country know that child marriage is illegal and harmful. But even then they support child marriage. During this time, he provided ideas about U-Report writing techniques for teenagers and young people, and things to do to prevent violence against women.