In this column article, Lyon Md. Ghani Mia Babul emphasizes the fundamental right of children to a safe childhood, noting that many girl children face discrimination, violence, abuse, child marriage, child labor, sexual harassment, online exploitation, and educational deprivation. Citing the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) jointly conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF, the author highlights that 47.2 percent of women aged 20 to 24 were married before turning 18, and 38.9 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 are currently married. Additionally, 85.7 percent of children aged 1 to 14 experienced physical punishment or psychological aggression in the month prior to the survey.

Child marriage leads to early dropouts, health risks associated with early motherhood, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence. In the digital age, online harassment has emerged as an added challenge. While birth registration and education remain powerful tools for protection, only 59.2 percent of children under five have complete birth registration. The government’s Child Helpline 1098 plays a crucial role, having addressed thousands of calls regarding child marriage and abuse. However, proactive prevention before incidents occur, friendly family relations, the implementation of child protection policies in schools, and strict enforcement of the law are urgently needed. Ultimately, a safe and promising future for girl children requires the combined and coordinated efforts of the state, family, and society.