2,000 girl cyclists say 'No' to early marriage

Over 2,000 schoolgirls brought out a bicycle road show in Bhurungamari upazila, Kurigram aimed at raising awareness against child marriage. 

The upazila administration with assistance of different secondary-level educational institutions organised the show on Tuesday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner of Kurigram Abu Saleh Mohammad Ferdous Khan led the six-kilometre bicycle road show from Joymonirhat Secondary School to Bhurungamari Pilot High School. 

Later, the schoolgirls took part in an adolescent fair held on the premises of Bhurungamari Pilot High School where they took oath and showed red cards to child marriage, sexual harassment and gender discriminations. 

The deputy commissioner addressed the function as the chief guest and distributed crests among successful students, best teachers and educational institutions. With Bhurungamari Upazila Chairman Nurunnabi Chowdhury Khokan in the chair, the event was addressed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Azharul Islam and Bhurungamari Press Club President Anwarul Haque. 

The chief guest said prevention of child marriage has become crucial for proper education of female students as well as women empowerment. 

"The present government is implementing various programmes such as providing textbooks to students and increasing number of female teachers to stop child marriage in the society," he said. 

Other speakers, at the programme, also laid importance on preventing child marriage for ensuring safety, security and equal rights of girl children to turn them into worthy citizens of the country. 

Government officials, teachers, guardians, civil society members, public representatives, socio-cultural and professional activists and local elite were present at the gathering.

Source: bss