Girl brigades to fight early marriage, stalking
Thirteen 'girl brigades' formed by Trishal upazila administration in the district yesterday vowed to free the upazila from the curse of child marriage and stalking.
The squad members were provided bicycles, uniforms and caps at the programme and the upazila administration gave them a specific hotline number to get help round the clock.
"Prevention is better than cure" is the motto behind formation of the brigades, involving students from classes VI to IX,” said Trishal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abu Jafor Ripon, who presided over the programme at Nazrul Academy ground yesterday.
Shaila Parveen, president of Mymensingh Zila Krira Sangstha and Ladies Club, inaugurated the event.
“Earlier on October 31 last year, such a brigade was formed led by Mahbuba Alam Tripti, a Class IX student of Dhala School and College in Balipara union of Trishal. They have so far foiled 10 early marriage bid,” said Abu Jafor, the mind behind the initiative.
“The brigade arranged several courtyard meetings to create awareness about the bad effects of early marriage.
“Inspired by the success, we have formed such brigades in 12 unions of the upazila involving 136 girls of 13 high schools. If a member gets the information that a child marriage has been arranged, she will call the hot line number to get help from administration.
“It is easier to prevent child marriages through discussions with the parents as action after everything has been fixed causes social embarrassment for all concerned,” said the UNO.
“Alongside working to prevent child marriage, the brigades will fight against stalking and other social crimes against women and girls,” Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Khalilur Rahman said in his speech as the chief guest at the event.
Such brigades will work to materialise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's aim to free Bangladesh from child marriage, he said.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Trishal Ershad Hossain, upazila parishad Chairman Joynal Abedin, Officer-in-Charge of Trishal Police Station Md Jakiur Rahman, and journalists Amit Roy and Hossain Shahid also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the guests distributed bicycles, uniforms, caps, and papers regarding laws against child marriage, among the brigade members.
A good number of teachers, students and their guardians joined the programme.
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