Words by Khaleda Lobid
Edited by Ahtaram Shin
In Kutupalong refugee camp, a 19-year-old Usmai Tara lives with her husband and two young daughters. A former class-7 student who once dreamed of a brighter future, she is now going through the harsh realities of life as a housekeeper. At just 15, Usmai was forced into marriage, not by choice, but by the weight of vulnerability, situation of camp, and the hope of easing her family’s burdens, she had to agree.
Usmai's parents were struggling to provide for five children amidst the hardship of refugee life, marriage seemed the only way out. In the direness of the social ecosystem of Rohingya camps, where survival is often unpredictable dreams, early marriage is tragically normalized.
Yet, marriage did not bring the respite Usmai’s family had hoped for. Instead, it pushed her into a cycle of relentless suffering. Her husband, uneducated and emotionally distant, subjected her to harsh treatment. Pregnancy soon followed, introducing physical and emotional anguish that was compounded by the scorn of her in-laws and escalating abuse from her husband.
"There is no compatibility between us, no respect, no understanding, no empathy for the suffering of a mother," said Usmai.
Her first childbirth left her in a weak state, with no support from her husband. The arrival of her second daughter intensified the hostility she faced, as she was blamed for not producing a son. Despite her family urging her to seek a divorce, Usmai remained in the marriage, fearing the repercussions on her younger siblings and their future prospects.
Once filled with ambitions of education and community advocacy, Usmai’s dreams now seem like a permanently impossible mission. With no access to opportunities and the weight of motherhood pressing heavily on her, the aspirations she once preferred have been replaced by a daily struggle for survival.
Usmai often bares the difference between her life and those who married later. Couples who marry at a more mature age often get to enjoy the most warm understanding, respect, and companionship. In contrast, her life has been marked by a dark struggle—surviving, raising children, and holding her family together at a young age.
The situation of Usmai emphasized the miserable consequences of child marriage: the loss of education, the theft of dreams, and the perpetuation of vulnerability and abuse. This story suggests the urgent need for systemic change, to challenge harmful traditions and protect the rights of girls. Inculcating harmful practices, creating safe spaces for education, and ensuring that no girl is forced into marriage before reaching the level of maturity is desperately important.
Why child marriage continue to happen in the Rohingya refugee camps
Child marriage in Rohingya refugee camps is a common issue, deeply rooted in vulnerability, cultural traditions, and concerns for safety. Families confronted to meet basic needs often view marriage as a way to reduce financial burdens, safety of girls and shifting responsibility to the spouse’s family. For girls, this means leaving their parental homes to manage domestic duties, while boys are expected to take on the role of provider. Limited access to education further fuels this practice, as parents see little opportunity for their children to pursue higher studies or secure better futures. Additionally, fears of harassment, abuse, or recruitment by illegal groups lead many parents to see marriage as a protective measure. Cultural norms and generational practices also uphold early marriage as a means of maintaining family honor, avoiding increased dowries, and adhering to societal expectations.
The impacts of child marriage are devastating for both boys and girls. Teenage boys, often unprepared for the pressures of marriage, face stress, exploitation, and a forced end to their education, limiting their future prospects. For girls, early marriage leads to health risks from premature pregnancies, domestic violence, and the loss of opportunities for independence and education. Both genders face premature parenthood, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and strained relationships. To combat this issue, community leaders and humanitarian organizations must challenge harmful traditions, prioritize education and skill-building, and provide financial assistance to families. Creating safe spaces and fostering awareness about the benefits of delaying marriage can empower communities to protect their youth and break this harmful cycle.