Speakers at a seminar yesterday said girls at secondary level drop out of school amid fear of harassment by local youths on way to school.

In addition, insecurity during travel and a lack of proper sanitation facilities are also among the reasons behind the situation, they added.

They were addressing a seminar titled “Women and Education” organised by United Nations Association of Bangladesh (UNAB), at the capital's Bangladesh Institute of Law International Affairs (BILIA), to observe International Women's Day.

While presenting the key note paper, Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), stressed the need for girls' safe travel to and from schools.

“There have been incidents when girls travelling to schools by boats have been abducted and then raped,” said Rasheda.

She further said that in haor areas girls travel by boat to go to school. Many parents fear their daughter's safety on boat.

She also said early marriage is a big hurdle for a girl to continue her higher studies.

Education is a right for the girl, not an opportunity, said Rasheda.

Rasheda stressed that Bangladesh needs to invest more in education, and ensure quality education for both girls and boys.

Echoing Rasheda, Majeda Shawkat Ali, vice-president of UNAB, also said girls in haor and char areas struggle to attend school in fear of stalking.

Syed Mohammad Shahed, secretary general of UNAB, moderated the seminar.