Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Agailjhara upazila unit in Barishal organised an awareness meeting aimed at preventing child marriage and dowry in the area.
The event took place on Wednesday in the hall of SM Girls’ School under Gaila Union.
Shuvosangho Agailjhara unit’s vice-president Md Shah Alam Rarhi chaired the meeting.
Teachers, students, and representatives from various social and professional backgrounds participated in the programme.
Speakers highlighted that child marriage is a curse on society, hindering girls’ physical, mental, social, and educational development.
They said, “Child marriage violates women’s fundamental rights and pushes families and society towards darkness. Similarly, dowry practices directly undermine women’s rights, dignity, and safety.”
Tenth-grade students Jilian Biswas, Liza Akter, and Tara spoke at the event. They said, “We want to educate ourselves and contribute to the country’s progress. If anyone tries to force us into child marriage, we will protest. If any girl is forced into early marriage, we will inform teachers, journalists, and authorities. Girls today are succeeding in all fields worldwide — we do not want to fall behind.”
SM Omar Ali Sani, adviser to Bashundhara Shuvosangho Agailjhara unit, said, “We must build social resistance against child marriage and dowry. No girl’s life should be ruined prematurely. Today’s girls are the country’s future and its asset. It is our responsibility to nurture them as capable citizens.”
Other speakers included Agailjhara Press Club president Md Mahabubul Islam, Upazila Reporters’ Unity president Md Saiful Mridha, Bashundhara Shuvosangho vice-president and tax lawyer Sameeran Roy, joint secretary Engineer A Rahim, organisational secretary Sakib Khan, finance secretary Amir Hamza, members Nilima Kor and Shanta Haldar, among others.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
