Daughter’s Child Marriage Stopped By Mother’s Phone Call

A planned child marriage involving a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Dinajpur’s Ghoraghat upazila was stopped at the final moment following swift intervention by local authorities, prompted by a phone call from the girl’s mother. The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. on Sunday, when preparations for the wedding were already under way and the groom’s party was reportedly on its way to the bride’s home.

According to police and local residents, the girl is an eighth-grade student at a nearby secondary girls’ school. Her father had finalised her marriage last week with a young man named Sagar Islam from Gobindaganj upazila in Gaibandha district. The wedding ceremony was scheduled to take place on Sunday night, despite the girl being well below the legally permitted age for marriage.

From the outset, the girl’s mother opposed the arrangement. She repeatedly urged her husband not to marry off their underage daughter, warning him of both the legal consequences and the long-term harm to their child’s education and wellbeing. These disagreements reportedly led to repeated arguments between the parents. When the mother learned that the groom’s family was already travelling to their village to complete the marriage, she decided to act immediately.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, she contacted the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) by mobile phone and requested official intervention to prevent the child marriage. Responding without delay, the UNO instructed Ghoraghat police to proceed to the village. On learning of the police presence, the groom’s party reportedly turned back midway and did not arrive at the bride’s home.

Upon reaching the scene, police officers examined the girl’s birth registration certificate and other relevant documents. These confirmed that the girl was under 18 years of age, making the marriage illegal under national law. As a result, the wedding was formally halted. The girl’s father was warned not to attempt to arrange her marriage again until she reaches the legal age.

Ghoraghat Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Shahidul Islam, confirmed the incident. He stated that the groom’s party was not found at the scene and that the girl’s father had been strictly cautioned. He also added that the family was instructed to ensure the girl’s continued education and overall social security, emphasising that safeguarding the child’s future was a shared responsibility of both the family and the community.

The incident has been viewed locally as an example of how timely action and awareness can prevent child marriage. Social workers note that, despite existing laws, such practices continue in rural areas due to poverty, social pressure, and lack of awareness. In this case, however, the mother’s determination and the authorities’ rapid response helped protect a young girl’s rights and future.

Key Details of the Incident

The episode serves as a reminder that community vigilance, parental responsibility, and prompt administrative action remain vital in the ongoing effort to eliminate child marriage and uphold children’s rights.