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An invisible crisis in Bangladesh: Child marriage in urban Bangladesh

Child marriage is a significant and persistent problem in Bangladesh, often portrayed as a rural problem. The growing trend of child marriage in urban areas represents an “invisible crisis” that threatens the future of countless girls. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with approximately 51% of girls married before the age of 18 and 18% before the age of 15. This alarming trend extends to urban areas, where rapid urbanization, poverty, and social norms are fueling the practice.

While rural areas have traditionally been seen as hotbeds of child marriage due to poverty and lack of education, data from the Bangladesh Urban Health Survey (UHS) suggests that child marriage is a worrying reality in slum and non-slum urban areas alike. An estimated 39% of urban girls are married before reaching the age of 18, with the number slightly higher in urban slum communities. Factors such as poor access to education, economic hardship, and patriarchal norms are blamed for the persistence of child marriage in cities, even as Bangladesh experiences rapid modernization and urban growth.

The consequences of urban child marriage in Bangladesh are profound, resulting in increased maternal and child mortality rates, primary school dropout rates, domestic violence, and reduced economic opportunities for girls. This invisible crisis poses long-term developmental challenges that threaten to undermine national progress toward gender equality, public health, and economic growth. A comprehensive understanding of child marriage in urban settings, supported by data-driven insights, is essential for developing targeted interventions to address this widespread problem.

In this regard, we can look to developed countries

United States: In contrast to Bangladesh, child marriage in the United States is rare and legally restricted in most states. For example, 0.6% of girls are married before the age of 18. Most US states set the legal age of marriage at 18, although some allow exceptions with parental consent or court approval. States such as Delaware and New Jersey prohibit child marriage altogether.

Sweden: Compared to Bangladesh, Sweden, with one of the most progressive gender equality policies worldwide, reports virtually no cases of child marriage. 0.1% of girls are married before the age of 18. The legal age for marriage is set at 18 without exception. Sweden's high emphasis on education, gender equality, and social welfare has led to the near-total elimination of child marriage. The Swedish government takes a strong stance against forced marriage and child marriage, often focusing on immigrants from regions where child marriage is culturally prevalent.

Several recommendations can be made to reduce child marriage in rural and especially urban Bangladesh.

Strengthening legal reform and enforcement

The Child Marriage Prevention Act of 2017 has made significant progress, with the inclusion of a “special circumstances” provision that allows minors to marry with judicial consent undermining the effectiveness of the law. Closing this loophole should be a top priority. The government should introduce amendments that remove any exceptions to the minimum age of marriage of 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

Improving access to education and reducing school dropout

Education plays a key role in delaying marriage and improving girls’ future outcomes. According to a UNICEF (2021) report, girls with secondary education are six times less likely to marry before the age of 18 than girls with no education. In urban slum areas of Bangladesh, girls face significant challenges in school enrolment due to economic pressures, family responsibilities and cultural attitudes that devalue girls’ education.

Involving communities and changing social norms

The government and NGOs should launch media campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impact of child marriage on girls’ health, education and economic prospects. Campaigns should target urban populations, especially slum communities, where misinformation and traditional beliefs perpetuate the practice. Engaging parents, especially mothers, in social dialogue and educational programs can also play a key role in changing attitudes towards girls’ education and marriage.

A comprehensive strategy combining legal reform, educational improvement, economic support, and community engagement is needed to address the invisible crisis of child marriage in urban Bangladesh. Strengthening the enforcement of child marriage laws, improving girls’ access to education, economically empowering families, and changing social norms are essential to reducing child marriage rates. By implementing these recommendations, Bangladesh can make significant progress toward ending this harmful practice and ensuring a better future for its young population.

Sanitation Crisis in Bangladesh: Challenges and Solutions

Sanitation remains a critical challenge in Bangladesh, affecting the lives of millions of people and posing significant obstacles to public health and economic development. Despite progress in various sectors, the country continues to grapple with a sanitation crisis characterized by inadequate access to clean and safe sanitation facilities.

According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), nearly 20% of the population still lacks access to improved sanitation facilities. This figure is particularly alarming in the context of rapid population growth and urbanization in Bangladesh, which is putting increased pressure on the existing sanitation infrastructure.

A survey conducted by WaterAid Bangladesh in 2023 highlights that nearly 30% of rural households and 15% of urban households do not have access to proper sanitation services. Furthermore, the incidence of open defecation remains alarmingly high in some regions, further compounding the sanitation crisis. The Global Burden of Disease Study also identifies poor sanitation as a major contributor to health problems such as diarrhoeal diseases, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the country.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenges

Infrastructure Deficits: Many areas, especially rural and peri-urban areas, lack the necessary infrastructure to support adequate sanitation systems. Existing facilities are often underfunded and poorly maintained.

Economic Constraints: Limited financial resources and budget allocations for sanitation projects hinder the implementation of comprehensive solutions. Economic disparities between regions exacerbate the problem, with poorer regions being the worst affected.

Hygiene Education: Inadequate awareness and education about hygiene practices contribute to the persistence of unsanitary conditions. Cultural and behavioral factors also play a role in the slow adoption of improved sanitation practices.

Environmental Impacts: Improper disposal of waste impacts the environment, leading to water pollution and the degradation of natural resources. These environmental impacts further impact public health and livelihoods.

Solution

Tackling the sanitation crisis in Bangladesh requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:

Infrastructure development: Investing in the construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities, especially in disadvantaged areas, is crucial. This includes expanding sewerage systems and improving waste management.

Financial investment: Increasing public and private sector investment in sanitation can help bridge the financing gap. Innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships with international organizations can also provide additional resources.

Educational programs: Implementing comprehensive hygiene education campaigns can improve public awareness and encourage good sanitation practices. These programs should target both rural and urban populations and be tailored to local cultural contexts.

Policy and governance: Strengthening policy and governance frameworks related to sanitation can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of sanitation initiatives. This includes better regulation, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.

Community engagement: Involving communities in the planning and implementation of sanitation projects ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and more likely to be sustainable over time.

The sanitation crisis in Bangladesh has seen both progress and continuing challenges. Over the past two decades, the country has made significant progress, such as reducing the prevalence of under-utilized sanitation from 42% in 2000 to less than 1% in 2022, and improving the availability of sanitation facilities for 80% of the population. Despite these achievements, millions of people still lack access to adequate sanitation, especially in rural areas and urban slums. The problem is exacerbated by limited funding, with sanitation investment accounting for less than 1% of the national budget, and poor wastewater management, with only 20% of Dhaka’s wastewater being treated. Solutions to these challenges include increasing investment in sanitation infrastructure, expanding public-private partnerships, scaling up community-led behavior change initiatives, and adopting climate-resilient sanitation measures. Global support such as the World Bank, UNICEF and the Global Sanitation Fund has been helpful, but a greater focus on innovative financing and coordinated efforts at the government level will be key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

A growing epidemic: drug abuse in Bangladesh

Drug abuse has become a significant and growing problem in Bangladesh, posing serious challenges to public health, social stability and economic development. In the current period, there has been a noticeable increase in drug use across the country.

According to the 2022 report of the National Narcotics Control Board (NNCB), drug abuse in Bangladesh has increased dramatically, with more than 70% involving adults and adolescents. Drug-related incidents have increased with the increasing availability of illicit substances including heroin, yaba (a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine), and cannabis. This surge is partly attributed to the expansion of drug trafficking networks and the increasing accessibility of drugs.

In 2023, the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) reported that the number of drug seizures increased by 25% compared to the previous year. Data revealed that yaba tablets have become the most abused drug, with over 10 million tablets seized annually. This figure reflects the widespread abuse and growing demand for such substances within the country.

The impact of drug abuse on public health is profound. The Bangladesh Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has noted a sharp increase in drug-related health problems, including mental health disorders and infectious diseases associated with intravenous drug use. Rates of drug-induced psychosis and other mental conditions have also increased, placing an additional burden on the country’s healthcare system.

Moreover, drug abuse has far-reaching social impacts. It has been linked to increased crime rates, including violence and theft, as individuals struggle to finance their addictions. Families and communities are also facing significant stress, including disrupted lives and deterioration in social cohesion as a direct consequence of the pandemic.

In this regard, the Bangladesh government has taken some initiatives to curb drug abuse.

National Drug Control Policy: The Bangladesh government has established a National Drug Control Policy to combat drug abuse and trafficking. The policy aims to reduce the supply of illicit drugs, provide treatment and rehabilitation for drug users, and raise public awareness.

Department of Narcotics Control (DNC): The DNC is responsible for implementing anti-drug policies, intercepting narcotics, and coordinating with international organizations. In 2023, the DNC reported a 25% increase in drug seizures compared to 2022, highlighting efforts to curb drug trafficking.

Anti-Drug Campaigns: The government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), conducts public awareness campaigns and drug prevention programs. These initiatives aim to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

Rehabilitation Centers: There are many drug rehabilitation centers in Bangladesh that provide treatment and support for people with substance use disorders. However, there is a need for more facilities and improved access to quality care.

The drug abuse epidemic in Bangladesh is a complex and urgent problem that requires coordinated and sustained efforts from all sectors of society. By implementing targeted strategies and adopting global best practices, Bangladesh can make significant progress in addressing the crisis. Tackling the growing epidemic of drug abuse is not only a public health issue, but also a critical component of ensuring social stability and promoting sustainable development. Coordinated efforts from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the international community will be needed to effectively address this pressing problem and improve the well-being of affected individuals and communities.