Exploring Child Marriage through a Public Policy Lens: Comparative Perspectives from Bangladesh and Singapore
Keywords:
Child Marriage, Cycle of Poverty, Education, Bangladesh, SingaporeAbstract
Child marriage remains a significant global concern, with Bangladesh experiencing some of the highest rates in South Asia. As defined in the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, this practice involves brides under 18 and grooms under 21. Predominantly affecting girls, child marriage constitutes a violation of basic human rights and is perpetuated by multiple factors such as poverty, lack of education, dowry practices, natural disasters, social structures, and interpretations of Islamic teachings. This paper employs secondary sources including journal articles, reports, and news media to examine the root causes and far-reaching consequences of child marriage, not only on young brides but also on their children. The negative effects span health, education, and intergenerational poverty. Drawing inspiration from Singapore, which reports the lowest child marriage rates in Southeast Asia, the study highlights the importance of strong legal frameworks, community awareness, and prioritization of education as essential strategies for reducing child marriage in Bangladesh. Comparative insights underscore the need for policy adaptation and more effective enforcement to address this complex social issue
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