DHAKA: The number of forced marriages in Muslim-majority Bangladesh has dropped sharply over the past 30 years with most parents now seeking the opinion of their children before a match, a study said Monday.

Arranged — but not necessarily forced — marriages are traditionally the norm but love matches are becoming increasingly common, especially among more affluent sections of society.

“From 72 per cent in the 1960s, the rate of forced marriages has come down to a mere nine per cent last year,” the researchers said.

“Now more than 90 per cent of parents seek the opinion of their sons and daughters before marriages or respect their own choices,” they added.

Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust, a leading human rights and legal aid group, questioned 3,600 young people and their parents about marriage patterns in the country.

According to the study, “Gender Relations and Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh,” the average age of marriage for girls had increased to 18 at the end of 2003 from 14 in the 1960s.

“It’s a remarkable development as far as Bangladesh is concerned,” team leader of the study Mirza Hasan said.

“Thanks to education, rising level of individualism and liberal values both in urban and rural areas, only a few parents now think of forced marriages for their sons or daughters,” Hasan said.—AFP