Mohammed Mamun

University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Bangladesh

Title: Forced marriage of girls in refugee camps: A mixed methods study

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Biography

With extensive grassroots experience in Bangladesh and international exposure, Dr Mohammed Mamun Or Rashid serves as an Adjunct Faculty, Department of Media Studies and Journalism, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) from 11 October 2024. He joined in CODEC NGO in 2004, focusing on socio-economic development of coastal communities. In 2007, he received a scholarship to pursue a Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies from SungkongHoe University, South Korea. His work in CODEC mainly focused to awareness building, disaster management and climate change, empowering adolescent girls, youth leadership development, policy advocacy, and social research. In 2017, he joined in Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). Developing the capacity of youth groups and civil society organizations in anti-corruption movements, rights to information, gender issues, and good governance were his main responsibilities. His research interests are: adolescent development, early marriage, governance and institutional strengthening; migration; poverty and marginalization; refugee crisis and wellbeing. 

Abstract

Forced marriageof girls in refugee camps comprises a profound violation of human rights,intensified by instability and socio-economic adversities. This mixed-methodsstudy explores the prevalence, drivers, and psychosocial impacts of forcedmarriage among adolescent girls residing in refugee camps of Bangladesh.Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys with 100 Rohingyarefugees, complemented by qualitative insights from in-depth interviews withcommunity leaders and service providers. Findings indicate that 50 girlsmarried-off before 18 years of age; and 74% of them were coerced for marriage.Key motivators include economic deprivation, perceived protection, andentrenched cultural norms. Qualitative evidence reveals forced marriage as botha survival strategy and mechanism of control, deeply embedded withinpatriarchal structures and aggravated by camp conditions. Psychologicalconsequences encompass increased anxiety, depression, and autonomy loss, whichfurther curtail educational and economic prospects, among others. The studyhighlights the dual role of community leaders in perpetuating or challengingthese practices, underscoring the potential for community-based interventions.Recommendations advocate culturally sensitive awareness programs, reinforcedlegal protections, and creation of safe spaces for education and psychosocialsupport. It also addresses critical gaps in understanding gender-based violencein displacement settings, offering empirical insights to guide policy and humanitarianresponses aimed at safeguarding vulnerable girls.