The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka yesterday awarded citations to four Bangladesh government officials for preventing child marriage in their respective communities.
The officials were honoured in a ceremony at the capital’s Hotel Sonargaon, marking this year’s International Day of the Girl Child.
The honoured officials are Barisal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Gaus, Khulna Deputy Commissioner M Mostafa Kamal, Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner M Shahabuddin Khan, Satkhira’s Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Syed Faruque Ahmed.
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoit-Pierre Laramee said: “The Bangladesh government is committed to prevent child marriage and to achieve that goal contribution of government officials is necessary.”
“Some are already doing exemplary work to prevent child marriage and their effort is an inspiration for all,” he added.
At the programme, State Minister for Post and Telecom Tarana Halim said: “Child marriage has a severe effect on girls. It also impacts on their mental and physical health.
“This has become one of the major obstacles of women empowerment,” she added.
Pointing out how the misuse of social networks has led to many suicides, the state minister said: “The government wants to control the use of internet against cyber crimes.”
UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Robert Watkins said: “To develop any country’s potential, it is important to invest in adolescent girls. The economic, social and political unrest has negative impacts on adolescents and child marriage and maternal mortality are the consequences of these disturbances.”