HC issues rule over child marriage

The High Court (HC) today issued a rule asking why local public representatives shall not be liable for child marriages that take place in their respective areas.

A HC division bench comprising Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah passed the suo moto order, responding to a report published on October 29 in a national daily, according to a news agency.

The rule also asked to explain why chairmen and members of union parishads, mayors and councilors of city corporations and municipalities will not be suspended for the child marriage taking place within their respective areas.

Secretaries of Public Administration, Local Government, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare ministries were made respondents to the rule and asked them to reply within the next four weeks.

Secretaries of Public Administration and Women and Children Affairs
ministries were urged to inform the matter to all deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers (UNO) immediately.