Teacher ‘marries’ 10th grader son to fifth-grader

A primary school teacher in Chuadanga recently arranged the "marriage" of her 10th grader son with a fifth grader of her school.

The matter, kept secret for a few days, was found out by neighbours Sunday evening after the boy went to the girl's house.

When local reporters went to the girl's house yesterday morning, the boy ran away from them.

The reporters then went to the school and found the fifth grader wearing a burqa in her classroom. She still had the henna on her hands. She told reporters that the "marriage" took place over a week ago.

She said she had tried to stop the arrangement, but no one listened to her.   

The teacher went to her house and the ceremony happened through a formal proposal in the presence of family members, she said.

The so-called marriage was mostly a performance of rituals as it had not been registered by the authorities.

Asked how she could do such a thing being a teacher, the woman didn't say anything.

The ceremonies were conducted by a madrasa teacher.

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamim Bhuiyan yesterday said there will be an investigation into the matter and action will be taken.

The Daily Star collated information from 41 upazilas of 13 districts between March 17, 2020, and September 12, 2021, and found about 11,000 school children were married off by their families.

A proper survey would have revealed a much greater number.