
The Dowry System: A Social Evil That Must End
The dowry system paragraph is a commonly assigned topic in schools because of its social importance. The practice of dowry has existed for centuries and continues to plague many societies, including Bangladesh. It refers to the transfer of wealth, property, or gifts from the bride’s family to the groom or his family during marriage. While it might have begun as a cultural tradition, it has now become a harmful and unjust system that affects the lives of thousands of women every year. Understanding the background, consequences, and the steps taken to prevent dowry can help young students become more socially aware and responsible citizens.
সূচিপত্রঃ
The Origin and Cultural Roots of the Dowry System
The dowry system dates back to ancient times when families provided their daughters with assets to ensure they were financially secure in their new homes. Back then, the motive may have been noble—to protect and support women in patriarchal societies. However, over time, this system turned into a harmful social custom, especially in South Asia.
In modern times, the dowry system has lost its original meaning and become more of a financial demand. In many cases, the groom’s family asks for large amounts of money, gold, furniture, or even cars. If the bride’s family fails to meet the demand, it results in delayed marriages, broken engagements, or worse—domestic violence and harassment. The dowry system paragraph shows how a cultural practice can become a tool of oppression when not challenged or corrected by society.
Many countries, including Bangladesh, have made laws to stop dowry. Yet, it still exists because of social pressure, outdated thinking, and lack of strict implementation. Education and awareness are key to fighting this issue.
Sample Paragraph for Class 8
Paragraph: Dowry System (For Class 8)
The dowry system is a bad custom in our society. It means the bride’s family gives money or gifts to the groom’s family during marriage. It creates many problems. Sometimes poor people cannot afford the dowry, and their daughters remain unmarried. Some brides face problems in their in-laws’ house if the dowry is not enough. This system is unfair and hurts many girls. It also makes marriage a burden for parents. We must stop this bad habit. People should choose partners by love and respect, not money. Everyone must raise their voice and say no to dowry. Schools and families must teach children that dowry is not good. If we work together, we can end this bad practice from our country.
Sample Paragraph for SSC
Paragraph: Dowry System (For SSC Exam)
The dowry system is one of the major social problems in Bangladesh. It refers to the demand of money, property, or expensive gifts from the bride’s family by the groom’s side. This practice causes serious trouble, especially for poor families who cannot afford to pay dowry. Many girls are tortured, mistreated, or even killed for not bringing enough dowry. The dowry system is completely against justice and equality. It reduces the value of women and turns marriage into a financial transaction. Though there are laws against dowry, people often ignore them. To remove this evil practice, we need awareness, strict legal action, and social change. Young people should say no to dowry and respect women’s dignity. The dowry system paragraph helps students realize why this issue needs urgent attention and action.
Sample Paragraph for HSC
Paragraph: Dowry System (For HSC Exam)
The dowry system, though an old tradition, remains one of the most cruel and unjust practices in South Asian countries, including Bangladesh. It involves the giving of money, furniture, gold, and other assets by the bride’s family to the groom’s family during marriage. In many cases, what begins as a simple gift-giving custom turns into a demand that is difficult to meet. As a result, thousands of women face delayed marriages, broken relationships, domestic violence, and sometimes even death. The system not only demeans the worth of women but also causes severe mental and financial pressure on their families.
Despite laws that prohibit dowry in Bangladesh, implementation remains weak due to lack of awareness and social support. Media, education, and religious teachings must all work together to discourage this harmful tradition. Parents and young men must be the first to refuse dowry in marriages. We must also teach young girls their rights and encourage them to speak out. Only through a united effort can we eliminate this disgraceful practice from society. Writing a dowry system paragraph allows students to understand the harmful effects of this issue and motivates them to become part of the solution.
The Role of Youth and Education
Young people are the future of any nation. If today’s students are educated about the dangers of dowry, they will grow up to become responsible citizens who reject this practice. Schools can organize debates, essay competitions, and drama performances based on this topic. This not only increases awareness but also encourages students to express their opinions.
Moreover, education plays a powerful role in changing the mindset of both boys and girls. A well-educated girl is more likely to stand up against dowry, and a well-educated boy is less likely to demand it. Girls must be taught that their value is not measured in money or gifts, and boys must be taught to respect their partners as equals.
When the young generation realizes that marriage is about mutual respect and not financial transactions, society will begin to change. The dowry system paragraph can spark important discussions in classrooms and inspire action outside them.
FAQs
Q: What is the dowry system?
A: The dowry system is a social practice where the bride’s family gives money, property, or gifts to the groom’s family during marriage.
Q: Why is the dowry system harmful?
A: It causes mental, financial, and physical harm to women and their families, especially when dowry demands are high or not fulfilled.
Q: Is dowry legal in Bangladesh?
A: No, giving or taking dowry is illegal under the Dowry Prohibition Act in Bangladesh, but enforcement is often weak.
Q: How can we stop the dowry system?
A: We can stop it through awareness, education, legal action, and by refusing to take or give dowry in our own lives.
Q: What role do students play in ending dowry?
A: Students can raise awareness through writing, debates, and education. They are the future, and their actions can help stop this practice.
Conclusion
The dowry system is not just an old tradition—it is a cruel and harmful practice that affects thousands of women and families every year. It causes suffering, injustice, and inequality. Though laws exist to prevent it, change will only come when society as a whole rejects the idea of dowry. Education, awareness, and youth involvement are the keys to ending this social evil. A world where marriages happen based on love, respect, and understanding—not money—is a world worth working for. Writing a dowry system paragraph is the first step in spreading awareness and encouraging positive change among students and the larger community.