Read the passage and answer the questions :-

  Adolescents constitute a nation's core resource for national renewal and growth. Adolescence is a period in life when transition from childhood to adulthood takes place and behaviours and life styles are shaped. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adolescence is the period which shapes the future of girls' and boys' lives. There are 28 million adolescents in Bangladesh: 13.7 million of them are girls and 14.3 million boys.

The situation of adolescent girls in Bangladesh is characterized by inequality and subordination within the family and society. This inequality leads to widespread practice of child marriage. marginalisation or exclusion from health, education and economic opportunities and vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse. In Bangladesh, the legal age of marriage is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. However, 33 percent of adolescent girls are married off before the age of 15 and 60 percent become mothers by the age of 19. Researches find that adolescents with higher level of education and from more affluent families tend to marry at a later age. Boys, however, become ready for marriage only after several years of adolescence and young adulthood.

Adolescents are highly important because they constitute a nation's core resource for its renewal and growth.

This period of adolescence is significant as it is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood where an individual's behaviours and lifestyles are shaped, ultimately determining their future lives and contributing to the nation's progress.

The condition of adolescent girls in Bangladesh is marked by significant inequality and subordination within both the family and society.

This systemic inequality results in several detrimental practices and outcomes, including widespread child marriage, marginalisation or exclusion from essential health, education, and economic opportunities, and an increased vulnerability to various forms of violence and sexual abuse.

The passage further illustrates this grim reality with statistics: 33 percent of adolescent girls are married off before reaching the age of 15, and a staggering 60 percent become mothers by the age of 19, significantly before the legal marriage age of 18. This data unequivocally points to a challenging and disadvantaged environment for adolescent girls in the country.

Gender inequality in Bangladesh, particularly affecting adolescent girls, leads to a range of severe and detrimental consequences that impede their development and overall societal progress. This inequality often manifests as subordination within the family and society, creating a cycle of disadvantages that can have long-lasting effects on their lives.

As highlighted in the passage, this inherent inequality results in several key issues. Firstly, it fosters the widespread practice of child marriage, where a significant portion of adolescent girls are married off before the legal age, with 33 percent marrying before 15 and 60 percent becoming mothers by 19. Secondly, it leads to marginalisation or exclusion from crucial opportunities in health, education, and economic empowerment. Girls are often denied access to adequate healthcare, quality schooling, and avenues for financial independence. Thirdly, this inequality makes them highly vulnerable to violence and sexual abuse, further compromising their safety, well-being, and future prospects.

These consequences collectively undermine the potential of adolescent girls, who, along with boys, constitute a nation's core resource for national renewal and growth, as stated by the World Health Organisation. By being denied access to education and economic opportunities, and being subjected to early marriage and violence, these girls are prevented from contributing meaningfully to the economy and social development. Their limited agency and life choices perpetuate poverty and hinder overall human development indicators for the nation.

In conclusion, gender inequality in Bangladesh has profound and multifaceted consequences, primarily for adolescent girls, leading to child marriage, exclusion from essential services, and increased vulnerability to abuse. Addressing these deep-rooted issues is crucial for fostering a more equitable society and ensuring that adolescents, particularly girls, can fulfill their potential and contribute to the nation's progress and prosperity.

The passage identifies several critical factors that influence a girl's marriage, particularly leading to early marriage practices in Bangladesh. These factors largely stem from the socio-economic and cultural context surrounding adolescent girls.

    
• Inequality and Subordination: A primary factor is the pervasive inequality and subordination that adolescent girls face within their families and society. This disadvantaged position often contributes to the practice of child marriage.
    
• Marginalisation from Opportunities: Girls are often marginalised or excluded from crucial health services, educational opportunities, and economic prospects. This lack of access and opportunity can push families to marry off their daughters early.
    
• Vulnerability: Vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse is another significant factor. In some contexts, early marriage is seen, albeit mistakenly, as a way to protect girls from such threats.
    
• Level of Education: Researches mentioned in the passage indicate a strong correlation between education level and marriage age. Adolescents with a lower level of education tend to marry at an earlier age, whereas higher education is associated with marrying later.
    
• Family Affluence: The economic status of a family also plays a role. Girls from less affluent families are more likely to be married off early, while those from more affluent backgrounds tend to marry at a later age.