Alarming Rise: Over 40% of Girls Married Before Age 18 in Bangladesh, Government Survey Reveals
14-06-2023 : According to the Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics 2022 conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, alarming figures have emerged regarding child marriages in the country. The survey, conducted annually by the government, reveals that over 40 percent of girls in Bangladesh are married before the age of 18. This is a significant increase compared to the previous year, where the percentage was reported to be 32.4 percent. Furthermore, the survey indicates that the number of girls married before the age of 15 has also risen, from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 6.5 percent in 2022.
In addition to the concerning prevalence of child marriages, the survey highlights other social trends in Bangladesh. The divorce rate in the country has doubled in the past year, increasing from 0.7 per thousand in 2021 to 1.4 per thousand in 2022. Moreover, there has been a substantial increase in migration rates to foreign countries, rising from 3 percent in 2021 to 6.6 percent in 2022.
On a positive note, the survey shows improvements in certain areas. The literacy rate in Bangladesh has increased to 76.8 percent, reflecting progress in educational opportunities. Access to electricity is nearly universal, with 99.4 percent of the population having access to this basic necessity. Similarly, access to sanitation facilities is widespread, reaching 98.8 percent of the population. However, the survey highlights the need for improvement in clean energy for cooking, as only 28.8 percent of the population has access to it.
Regarding public health indicators, the survey reveals a slight increase in life expectancy, from 72.3 years in 2021 to 72.4 years in 2022. However, the crude birth rate and total fertility rate have also seen an increase, from 18.8 percent to 19.3 percent and from 2.05 to 2.15 percent, respectively, between 2021 and 2022. The use of contraceptives has shown a decline, dropping from 65.6 percent to 63.8 percent during the same period.
The findings of the Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics 2022 shed light on both progress and challenges faced by the country. Efforts are needed to address the persisting issue of child marriages and ensure the well-being and rights of young girls. Additionally, attention must be given to improving access to clean energy and promoting family planning to support sustainable development and population control in Bangladesh.
