Class six girl goes to UNO office to stop her child marriage, administration takes charge of her studies
Photo: Collected
Although her family wants to marry her off, a class six schoolgirl is not willing to be married at this age. Her dream is to finish her studies and work in the police. To save that dream, she turned up by herself at the office of the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO). Impressed on hearing her, the UNO has also taken charge of the student’s studies.
The incident took place on Thursday at the office of the Shibganj upazila nirbahi officer in Chapainawabganj. The student’s home is in a village in Shyampur union of Shibganj; she studies in class six at a local school.
UNO Mazharul Islam said, ‘The girl did not know the UNO office. She first went to the police station, then came to my office. I listened attentively to everything she said. Although she studies in class six, her thinking is quite mature and she can speak in an organised way. I liked what she said.’
The UNO said the girl’s family members and the local UP chairman were later called in. When the matter was explained to the family in the chairman’s presence, they agreed not to marry the girl off. After that, the student was given cash and bought the necessary books, a bag and clothes to continue her studies.
Mazharul Islam further said, ‘The upazila administration will stand by the student until her studies are completed. Even if I am transferred, I will make that arrangement before I go.’
Shyampur Union Parishad Chairman Mohammad Rabiul Islam said, ‘The girl has no father, and no land or property either. She has a sister, no brother. Her mother somehow runs the family by working in other people’s homes. Yet the girl has a strong desire to study. What the UNO has done for her is truly praiseworthy. I will also help with her studies. I want her dream to be fulfilled.’
