Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.[10] The practice of dowry, although illegal, contributes to this phenomenon.[11] 29% of girls get married before age 15 and 65% before the age of 18.[12] Government action has had little effect, and has been contradictory: although the government has pledged to end child marriage by 2041, the Prime Minister in 2015 attempted to lower the age of marriage for girls from 18 to 16.[12] An exception to the law was instituted so that marriage at 16 is permitted with parental consent.[13]