Child marriage concerns over actor Simrin Lubaba: What law says

A fresh controversy has erupted on social media surrounding child artist Simrin Lubaba, with widespread speculation over whether she has married. However, no confirmed information has emerged on the matter yet.

Some days ago, Lubaba had announced her decision to step away from the entertainment industry to embrace a religious lifestyle. Her mother, Jahida Islam, had also said at the time that her daughter's way of life had changed and she was inclined to follow a religious path.

Recently, photos and videos of Lubaba performing Umrah were shared on her verified Facebook page. In one post, she wrote, "Alhamdulillah. Two souls, one Qibla. Allah has gifted me a companion to learn deen for this world and the hereafter."

This post sparked speculation about her marriage. The speculation gained further momentum when actress Barsha commented on the post, congratulating her and saying, "May your married life be happy."

Neither Lubaba nor her family has issued any formal statement regarding the matter. Sources close to the family have said the marriage news has not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, many on social media have raised concerns that if the marriage has taken place, it could constitute child marriage due to Lubaba's age. Lawyers have weighed in on the issue.

Supreme Court lawyer Azmeer Sumi said that under Bangladeshi law, the legal age of marriage for girls is 18 and for boys is 21. Any marriage below these ages constitutes child marriage and is a punishable offence under the law.

She further said that a kazi cannot register the marriage of anyone below 18. If they do, their license may be cancelled. At the same time, those involved in registering a child marriage can be brought under legal action.

Even if the marriage takes place abroad, it will not be considered valid for Bangladeshi citizens. Such a marriage may only be treated as a 'live-in relationship' from a legal standpoint, she said.

If age is concealed, the individual's birth certificate, national identity card and educational documents will be scrutinised. Additionally, courts and local administrations have the authority to intervene to prevent child marriage.

The law also provides separate provisions for penalties for violating the prohibition on child marriage and for filing false complaints. These include imprisonment and fines.

If Simrin Lubaba's age is truly below 18, then this marriage would be considered child marriage under Bangladeshi law, Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist Fawzia Karim Firoze has told Views Bangladesh.

Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017, the minimum age of marriage for girls is 18, and any violation is a punishable offence. The law provides for strict penalties for those who perform, assist or encourage child marriage.

Generally, such offences carry a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment, or a fine of up to Tk 100,000, or both. Parents, kazis or any individuals who knowingly participate or assist in such a marriage are also subject to the same penalties, she said.

Often, child marriages are carried out by concealing age or using false information, which is considered a serious offence in the eyes of the law, she added.

While there is a limited exception for the marriage of minors with court permission in special cases, it is extremely rare and subject to strict conditions.

Alongside enforcing the law, it is essential to raise social awareness to prevent such illegal marriages, she said.