A 13-year-old girl in a remote village in Chattogram has been married off against her will, according to local sources. The teenager, a promising cricket bowler, had dreamed of playing for the national team. However, financial hardship and social pressure reportedly forced her family to arrange the marriage.
Details of the Incident
The marriage ceremony took place on Thursday night (November 12) in a village under the upazila. Local residents said the girl's parents, facing severe financial constraints, made the decision to marry off their daughter. However, her school teachers described her as a bright student and a regular player in the local cricket team. Her bowling skills had earned her recognition, with many believing she had the potential to become a professional athlete.Local Reaction
News of the incident sparked outrage in the area. A worker from a local human rights organization said, "This is not just about one girl's shattered dream; it is a failure of our society. The law is clear: no girl under 18 can be married."Legal Action
The upazila administration has been informed about the matter. The chairman of the union parishad said they attempted to visit the spot after receiving the news, but the girl's family has been avoiding them. "We are trying to rescue the girl through legal procedures," he said.Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, marrying a girl under 18 is a punishable offense, carrying a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine.
