Desk Report: Climate-related disasters are putting additional pressure on vulnerable families in Bangladesh, threatening girls’ education, safety and future opportunities while increasing the risk of child marriage, experts warned at a dialogue in Dhaka.

The discussion highlighted how floods, storms and other climate-related shocks can damage household incomes, disrupt schooling and deepen poverty, leaving families with fewer resources to cope and girls more exposed to early marriage.

It’s Humanity Foundation (IHF) and Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh jointly organised the dialogue at the IsmailiJamatkhana and Centre in Bashundhara to mark the International Day of the Girl Child and National Girl Child Day. The event brought together climate specialists, legal experts, development practitioners and corporate representatives to explore the links between climate vulnerability, economic hardship, gender inequality and child marriage.

The two panel discussions stressed that protecting girls from child marriage requires more than legal safeguards and emergency relief. Sustainable economic opportunities, uninterrupted education, stronger social protection and climate-resilient communities are also essential to prevent families from resorting to harmful coping strategies during crises.

Delivering the keynote address, Md. Adnan Hossain, founder and executive director of It’s Humanity Foundation, said climate change and child marriage could not be tackled separately.

He explained that climate-related disasters often disrupt girls’ education, reduce household earnings and increase their responsibilities at home. As families struggle to recover from such shocks, existing social and economic inequalities can become more severe, putting girls at greater risk of early marriage.

“A storm may disrupt a family’s life. A flood may wash away a classroom. But a crisis should never be allowed to wash away a girl’s choices,” he said.

From an economic perspective, the discussions drew attention to how the loss of livelihoods, household insecurity and limited access to education can compound the risks faced by girls in climate-vulnerable communities. When families lose income or assets following a disaster, the ability to keep children in school and meet basic needs may weaken, making long-term protection measures particularly important.

The first panel, moderated by ShamimaAkhter, adviser to It’s Humanity Foundation, featured RoufaKhanum, deputy director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER); Anita Ghazi Rahman, senior advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Rumana Ahmed, vice-president and head of corporate affairs at Citibank N.A., Bangladesh; and AfsanaChowdhury, a gender equality and inclusion specialist.

The second panel was moderated by Syed FazleNiaz, co-founder of It’s Humanity Foundation. The panellists included Advocate FawziaKarimFiroze, senior advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Maimuna Zahra Fariha, head of research and gender and climate lead at BRAC`s Buro Bangladesh; EsratKarim Eve, founder and executive director of AMAL Foundation; and Farah Anzum, country lead at the Global Strategic Communications Council.

Across the discussions, speakers emphasised that climate resilience must extend beyond immediate disaster response to help families recover without sacrificing girls’ education, safety and future prospects.

They called for stronger protection systems, wider access to education and economic opportunities, and greater participation of girls in climate action and decisions affecting their lives.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies, civil society organisations, businesses and development partners to address the overlapping challenges of poverty, climate vulnerability and gender discrimination.

Speaking at the event, Munira Ahmed Fidai, lead for Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh, said girls should not be viewed merely as victims of climate change.

“Girls must not be seen merely as victims of climate change. They must be recognized as leaders, decision-makers and active contributors to building resilient communities,” she said.

The message from the dialogue was clear: climate adaptation and the prevention of child marriage must be pursued together. Helping vulnerable households protect their livelihoods, maintain children’s access to education and recover from disasters can contribute to reducing the economic pressures that place girls at risk.

Established in 2010, It’s Humanity Foundation is a non-profit organisation working to address poverty through education, women’s empowerment, youth skills development and emergency relief. Ismaili CIVIC is a global volunteer initiative of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community that promotes community service and environmental sustainability.

Backpage PR supported the event as its PR partner, while The News Compress served as the digital media partner.