The Bangladesh Awami Ulama League, along with 13 other like-minded groups, made the demand at a human chain formed in front of National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday. Speakers at the human chain specifically mentioned INGOs – including Unicef, Save the Children and Terre des homes – which have been working across the country to prevent child marriage. Arguing in favour of child marriage, Sheikh Shariatpuri said the legal ban on child marriages imposed by the “kufri” Child Marriage Restraint Act had increased the number of abortions in the country. Bangladesh witnessed a decline in the overall child marriage rate in recent years, but continues to have one of the highest rates in the world. Ulama League wants a ban on BPL tooSheikh Shariatpuri has also sought a ban on the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament, reports multiple news outlets.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 21, 2019 14:48 UTC