The government is planning to amend the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017 by making the use of online or digital birth registration records mandatory for marriage registration, replacing manual or paper-based birth certificates.
The information was disclosed by Abu Zafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain in a written reply to a question from lawmaker Abul Hasnat during a parliamentary session on Monday.
Draft Amendment Under Preparation
According to the minister, the proposed amendment is currently being drafted with technical assistance from UNICEF and United Nations Population Fund.
The amendment aims to close legal loopholes that have allowed child marriages to take place under the existing law’s provisions for “special circumstances.”
Focus on Preventing Age Fraud
Under the proposed changes, marriage registrars will be required to verify the age of prospective brides and grooms through digital birth registration records rather than relying on paper documents.
The move is intended to curb the use of forged birth certificates, which are often used to conceal the actual age of underage individuals seeking marriage registration.
Challenges in Enforcement
The minister noted that many marriages are conducted according to religious customs without formal registration, making it difficult for authorities to monitor and enforce child marriage laws effectively at the grassroots level.
“A coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies, local administration, members of parliament and local government representatives is essential to eliminate child marriage completely,”
the minister said in his written response.
The proposed amendment is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen safeguards against child marriage and improve the integrity of the marriage registration process across the country.
