Early Marriage of Class Six Student Stopped in Dimla UNO. Provides Financial Assistance.

Mohinul Islam Sujon, Crime Reporter. The early marriage of a Class Six student was stopped following timely intervention by the administration in Dimla Upazila of Nilphamari. At the same time, the Upazila administration extended financial assistance to help the girl continue her education. According to local residents, preparations were underway for the marriage of a 14-year-old girl at a village in Nautara Union of the upazila at around 11:00 pm on Monday (August 24). Acting on a tip-off, Dimla Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rowshan Kabir, Upazila Assistant Programmer (BANBEIS) Shahnur Alam, and a team of Dimla Police rushed to the spot. Upon arrival, the officials found that the marriage ceremony of the Class Six student was underway in the presence of members of the bride’s family, relatives, and local residents. The administration informed everyone present about the physical and mental health risks associated with early marriage and explained the relevant legal provisions. The girl’s father was subsequently instructed to stop the marriage arrangements in accordance with the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017. Realizing the legal obligations and the seriousness of the situation, the girl’s father admitted his mistake and immediately stopped the marriage arrangements. He also provided a written undertaking that he would not arrange his daughter’s marriage until she reaches the legal marriageable age of 18. No financial penalty was imposed during the operation. Instead, the marriage was stopped through social awareness and legal guidance. Local prominent residents praised the administration’s timely and humanitarian initiative and pledged to play an active role in preventing child marriage in the area in the future. Meanwhile, the Upazila administration came forward to ensure that the girl’s education does not come to a halt after being saved from child marriage. On Tuesday (August 25), Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Imranuzzaman handed over financial assistance to the girl at his office. The girl’s family expressed satisfaction with the initiative of the Upazila administration. Local residents also expressed hope that such administrative efforts to prevent child marriage will continue in the future.