A child marriage involving a 15-year-old schoolgirl was successfully prevented through the timely intervention of members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) in Monirampur upazila of Jashore.
The incident took place on Saturday evening, August 29, in Dangamahishdia village of Kultia Union. According to Ansar-VDP sources, preparations had been completed for the marriage of the 15-year-old daughter of Habibur Rahman of the village to expatriate Md. Hasan Ali, son of Kader Ali of Daulatpur village in Jhikargachha upazila.
After receiving information about the planned marriage, a team of 8–10 Ansar-VDP members, led by Kultia Union VDP Team Leader Md. Rabiul Islam, immediately went to the spot.
The members spoke with the guardians of both sides and explained the legal consequences of child marriage, as well as its harmful effects on a girl’s education, health, safety and future. Following their intervention, both families agreed to cancel the marriage.
The girl’s family subsequently signed a written undertaking pledging not to arrange her marriage under any circumstances until she reaches the legal age of 18.
The incident was immediately reported to the Monirampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who praised the Ansar-VDP members for their prompt action and effective role in preventing the child marriage.
The Ansar and VDP members’ initiative has been widely appreciated as part of ongoing efforts to raise social awareness, prevent child marriage and promote public safety. Their community-based activities continue to contribute to building a safer and child-marriage-free society.
