DHAKA: State minister for Health Dr Zahid Malek on Thursday categorically said the minimum age for girls to marry may start from 16 instead of 18.

He also said the government is concerned about the matter but no decision has been made yet to reform the Child Marriage Restraint Act.

The minister came up with the assertion in a press briefing at the CIRDAP auditorium on Thursday.

Dr Zahid also said the amendment of the act, which was recommended by the cabinet, is in a very initial stage.

It’s a view of the government not a decision, he added.

The decision about the law amendment will be taken after an open discussion, the newsmen were told.

Health Secretary MM Niaz Uddin chaired the event where World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Bangladesh Paranietharan was also present at the press meet.

BDST: 1722 HRS, OCT 02, 2014