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<p>We welcome the commitments made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Girl Summit
last year and in New York in September to end marriage under the age 15 by 2021 and
under 18 by 2041. We expect the age of marriage to be maintained at 18.</p><p>Alongside
other Donor Partners and NGOs we continue to discuss with the Government of Bangladesh
our concerns regarding the legislation, including the possibility of an exception
clause that might allow marriage below 18 in certain circumstances, with the aim of
ensuring that the public commitments at the UK Girl Summit are maintained. Meanwhile,
we are working with other parts of HMG and donor partners to press for improved implementation
of policies that protect and promote the status of women and girls. Activities to
tackle inequality and promote empowerment are embedded across all of our wider programmes.</p>
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