Teen runs to UNO's home, foils marriage attempt

A schoolgirl foiled her father's attempt to marry her off to a middle-aged man inthe district's Raozan upazila yesterday.

Priya Akhtar, aged about 13,and her mother made a run for it and took refuge at the upazila nirbahi officer's residence.

Talking to The Daily Star,UNO Shamim Hossain said Priya's father Fajar Ali of Boro Thakurparis a “druggie” and he used to torture his wife.

A few days ago,Fajarhad decided to marry off his daughter,a seventh grader at Purba Gujara High School inRaozan, to Bacha Mia, 45, also a “druggie” of the same area, the UNO said.

“Bacha Mia has three children, but he persuadedFajar Ali to marry off his daughter to him,” Shamim said, adding that Fajaryesterday forcibly sent his wife and Priyato Raozan town to shop for wedding.

Bacha also accompanied the two, but the mother and child managed to flee and rushed to UNO's home.

“Earlier, I went to the school and warned the students about the adverse effects of an underage marriage. I told them to come to me if anyone facedsuch a situation.The girl remembered my words and came to me for help,” said the UNO.

“I have taken the responsibility ofher education,” said UNO Shamim.

Both Fajar and Bacha went into hiding following the incident.