Children here have participated in a painting competition on raising awareness against forced marriage practices in the country.
Deputy British High Commissioner Nick Low gave away prizes to the children whose works were selected as best painting at the programme held in district council auditorium, where Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Choudhury also attended as Chief Guest.
The competition was arranged by British High Commission to raise awareness about forced marriage among people and encourage them to take action against the bad customs, which the UK considers as a form of violence against women and men, domestic and child abuse as well as a serious abuse of human rights.
Children aged between 12 and 16 years participated the competition to depict important message for taking the consent of girls and boys is a must before marriage.
Nick Low said, “Forced marriage cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis. It is an appalling and indefensible practice, which to stop our Government is committed. Statistics shows that Bangladesh is in third position having such type of cases.”
Mayor Ariful said, “I would like to emphasise that forced marriage is not acceptable not only in Sylhet but elsewhere in the country. As Mayor, I promise to work against the forced marriage.”
