Five more 'girl brigades' to fight early marriage

With the formation of five new 'girl brigades' to fight early marriage and other social crimes against women in Trishal upazila yesterday, the number of suxh brigades has reached 24.

Now there are 24 brigades at as many schools in 12 unions of the upazila to launch activities against child marriage and stalking.

Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner Mahmud Hasan inaugurated the five new units during a programme at Nazrul Girls' High School in the upazila.

Trishal Upazila Parishad Chairman Joynal Abedin, its Vice Chairman Ashraful Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ershad Uddin, the brigades' upazila Chief Coordinator Ratan Sarker and Coordinator Rafiqul Alam, were present among others.

During the programme, the new brigades, involving students from classes VI to IX and consisting of 12 girls, were provided uniforms, caps and bicycles. 

Formation of the brigades, with the motto 'prevention is better than cure', was first initiated by former Trishal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abu Jafor Ripon last year and inaugurated by the then Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Khalilur Rahman on October 31 the same year.

"Former Trishal UNO Ripon assured the girls of round-the-clock assistance from the upazila administration and we are just continuing his noble initiative," Brigade Coordinator Rafiqul said.

Leader of the first 'girl brigades' Mahbuba Alam Tripti said the brigades have so far stopped 108 early marriages in the last one year.

The brigade members at Halima High School foiled marriage bid of a ninth grader yesterday, she said.