Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar was officially declared free of child marriage and child labour on Saturday, with local authorities calling for continued community efforts to prevent both practices.

The declaration was made at a programme organised by the Teknaf upazila administration at the Teknaf Government Technical School and College auditorium.

Cox’s Bazar-4 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury attended the event as chief guest, while Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Anik Chowdhury chaired it.

Shahjahan said child marriage and child labour disrupt children’s education and development, and that enforcement of existing laws must be accompanied by greater public awareness.

“Alongside enforcing the law, social awareness must be increased to prevent these two problems,” he said.

Anik described the declaration as a significant achievement but said maintaining the status would require sustained involvement from families, schools, elected representatives and the wider community.

The administration also honoured students who secured GPA-5 in the 2026 SSC and equivalent examinations, along with winners from the national children and youth organisation Notun Kuri.

The students and competition winners received commemorative crests and gifts at the end of the programme.