Bangladesh Faces Surge in Child Marriage and Teen Pregnancies
Child marriage and adolescent pregnancy rates in Bangladesh have risen sharply in recent years. New data shows more young girls are getting married and giving birth, raising concerns among international agencies. The United Nations has warned that, at the current pace, the country may need over two centuries to end child marriage entirely.
Between 2019 and 2025, the percentage of girls aged 15 to 19 entering marriage climbed from 32.9% to 38.9%. Alongside this, the adolescent birth rate rose from 83 to 92 per 1,000 adolescent wives. These figures have alarmed both UNFPA and UNICEF, which highlighted the issue in a recent press release.
The latest figures reveal a worsening trend in child marriage and adolescent health in Bangladesh. Without stronger interventions, the country faces a prolonged struggle to eliminate these practices. UNFPA’s recommendations focus on education, healthcare access, and shifting societal attitudes to protect young girls.
