Child Marriage as a Human Rights Challenge to Achieving SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 5 in Bangladesh

Child marriage remains a significant challenge in the socio-economic context of Bangladesh. It is hampering efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4 and 5, which aim to ensure good health and well-being, inclusive and equitable quality education and gender equality, respectively. This study examines the physical, psychological, educational and socio-economic impacts of child marriage from a human rights perspective, using data from government and non-governmental organization reports, research articles and publications. The findings show that poverty, low literacy rates, dowry practices, weak law enforcement, patriarchal norms and socio-cultural pressures drive child marriage. Bangladesh ranks seventh in the world and first in Asia in terms of child marriage rates. Child marriage affects both girls and boys, although girls are disproportionately affected. Child marriage is associated with poor health outcomes, increased risk of early pregnancy and maternal mortality, loneliness, psychological distress, disrupted education, limited economic opportunities, gender inequality and violations of fundamental human rights. While policy measures and awareness-raising campaigns have made progress, persistent socio-economic and cultural barriers, poverty, dowry practices, weak law enforcement and poor implementation of laws hinder meaningful change. The study highlights the need for comprehensive legal enforcement, expansion of health care, education, poverty eradication and economic empowerment, addressing socio-cultural and religious perspectives and community-based interventions to reduce child marriage by 2030 and support the achievement of SDGs 3, 4 and 5.