Prime Minister's Adviser for Education Mahdi Amin. File photo

DHAKA, Sept 7, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Adviser for Education Mahdi Amin today said child marriage is not a solution to any problem; rather, it creates a social crisis and hampers the development of women.

"Many families think that marrying off a daughter at an early age solves their problems. But it creates a much bigger crisis. Poverty can never be an excuse for depriving a child of education. If a girl is raised with protection and dignity, she becomes the greatest source of support for her family," he said.

Mahdi Amin made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of the "Child, Not Bride" campaign organised by BBC Media Action at a hotel in the capital, said a press release.

Noting that women in a transformed Bangladesh are demonstrating their capabilities in all fields, he said the results of the recent Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations are a major example of this.

The adviser said the government wants to build an equitable and secure society where girls will receive quality education, become self-reliant and be regarded as assets rather than burdens.

Recalling the contribution of the previous BNP government to the advancement of women's education, Mahdi Amin said free education for girls up to Class XII was introduced during the tenure of Begum Khaleda Zia.

The current elected government has announced free education for girls up to the postgraduate level, he said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has simultaneously identified ensuring women's overall safety and dignity as one of the government's major commitments.

Mahdi Amin also said the "Family Card" has been introduced to empower women economically, while midday meals, school uniforms and stipends are being provided at the primary level to prevent students from dropping out.

He said initiatives have also been taken to make those who fail the SSC examinations self-reliant through technical training.

Describing child marriage through falsification of documents and manipulation of age as illegal, the adviser called for social and legal action against the practice.

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, BBC Media Action Country Director Md Al Mamun and Plan International Deputy Director Neelima Yasmeen and other diplomats and senior officials attended the programme.