Today, October 11, is International Day of the Girl Child. Every girl is born with a dream and a world of possibility. Yet across many parts of society, girls still face neglect, discrimination, and violence. Their dreams are cut short—by early marriage, by financial struggle, by social barriers.
In Bangladesh, girls’ participation in education has increased, but the reality remains harsh. In many rural families, the belief still exists that a girl does not need much education—marriage is considered her future. But one girl’s education can be the key to the freedom of a family, even a nation.
Take the example of Taslima, a schoolgirl from a riverside village in Koyra, Khulna. Every morning, she takes a boat to reach school. She dreams of becoming a teacher. But the hurdles around her are tall—floods, poverty, and family pressure. Yet she does not give up. The persistence of girls like Taslima proves that given the chance, they can change the future.
Globally, the United Nations reports that millions of girls are still deprived of basic rights like education, healthcare, and safety. In many countries, girls are married off before they can even go to school. Some are forced into child labor or condemned to a life of abuse. These are not just statistics—they are a warning to humanity.
In Bangladesh, progress has been made over the past few decades. Stipends for girls, free textbooks, and legal efforts to prevent child marriage have helped. But the problem is far from over. Often, the biggest obstacle comes from family attitudes. Some still think raising a daughter is a burden. This mindset is one of the greatest barriers to our social progress.
Islam teaches love and respect for daughters—teachings that have inspired humanity for centuries. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever raises two daughters, educates them well, and sees them married, will be granted Paradise.”
In another hadith, he said: “Whoever does not dislike his daughter and raises her with patience, Allah will save him from Hellfire.”
These teachings remind us that in Islam, a daughter is not a burden—she is a blessing and a key to Paradise. Those who raise their daughters with love and responsibility earn dignity both in this world and the hereafter.
The growth of a girl is not only her own progress—it is an advancement of the whole society. An educated girl becomes a conscious mother, a responsible citizen, and a force for change. But if her education, health, and safety are not ensured, society will fall behind by a generation.
Empowerment of girls does not stop at education; it means building confidence, awareness, and the ability to make decisions. This change must begin in the family. When parents stop seeing a daughter as a burden and start seeing her as a blessing, transformation will follow.
Girls in our society still face obstacles in how they move, dress, study, and work. Creating a safe and respectful environment is a responsibility we all share. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces must become safe for every girl.
True change starts with mindset. The belief that “a son is an asset and a daughter is a burden” must end. Without love, respect, and awareness, no law or project can change a girl’s fate.
Today, girls in different parts of Bangladesh are taking part in training programs, scholarships, and leadership initiatives. They are succeeding in sports, science, technology, and innovation. Many are representing Bangladesh in the global arena. This proves that girls don’t lag behind when given a chance—they move forward with pride.
Yet reality reminds us that our journey isn’t over until every village, every home, every school can ensure a girl’s safety.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, let our pledge be this—no girl’s smile should be dimmed by darkness. Let us build a Bangladesh where every girl has dignity, safety, and the right to dream.
Girls are the light of our future. Whether in their mother’s arms, in classrooms, in sports, or at work—their smiles should symbolize safety, their eyes should shine with hope.
International Day of the Girl Child is not just a date—it is a moment of self-reflection and responsibility. Have we given our daughters a safe, dignified, and opportunity-filled life? Today compels us to ask: “Can a society truly be called advanced if its girls are not safe to smile?”
Let their smile be our promise of light.
Special Feature written by: Tariq Litu
