In a powerful act of resistance, 13-year-old schoolgirl Ruhi Akter from Faridganj Upazila, Chandpur, has submitted a written application to her headteacher, pleading for intervention to stop her family from forcing her into marriage. The incident has drawn attention and praise from local authorities, who have moved quickly to ensure her safety and uphold her rights.
Ruhi, a student of class seven at Karaitali High School, wrote to Headteacher Pankaj Sharma on Tuesday, July 29, stating that although she is still a minor and pursuing her education, her family is attempting to arrange her marriage against her will. She included her date of birth—June 18, 2012—to confirm that she is legally a child. “I do not want to be married now,” Ruhi wrote in the letter. “Please help me stop this.”
Headteacher Sharma responded promptly, informing both the Upazila Education Office and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) about the situation. “As soon as I read her application, I contacted the relevant authorities. A child should never be put in such a position,” he said.
UNO Sultana Razia commended Ruhi for her courage: “Such bravery at this age is undoubtedly commendable. We are fully supporting her. Under no circumstances will child marriage be allowed here.”
Ruhi lives in Gazi Bari of Karaitali village. Her father, Abdur Rashid, works abroad, and her mother, Sumi Begum, is a homemaker. Responding to the allegations, Sumi Begum claimed, “A good proposal had come through the family, but no date had been set. We will not go against our daughter’s wishes.”
Faridganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Shah Alam, confirmed that law enforcement is aware of the case. “We are monitoring the situation closely. In such incidents, the UNO can conduct mobile court operations, and we will provide full administrative support,” he said.
Child marriage remains a persistent challenge in rural Bangladesh, despite legal prohibitions. Ruhi’s brave step highlights not only the risks faced by young girls but also the importance of institutional response and community awareness.
