Can my parents make me a high school dropout and take me to Bangladesh and force me to get married?

Question

I am a U.S. citizen and a citizen in U.K (bcz i was born there) and I'm seventeen years old. My parents are strictly muslim, however I don't have the same beliefs. They have always forced these beliefs on me. I have performed at my high school last year (singing and dancing) with my best friend. everyone loved us so much, they are anxious to see our next performance which is in two weeks. People say I'm also very talented in writing and acting.
If my parents find out, they'll surely make me a high school dropout..or transfer me to an islamic school. Can they do that? Can they make an airplane ticket for me and take me to Bangladesh against my will and get me married? I noe there's no laws protecting me in Bangladesh. But can my parents force me to leave this country and make me skip school for months or possibly make me a high school dropout? [if anyone suggests a lawyer for me...can you tell me where to find one?] (the legal age of divorcing my parents in this state is 17)

Answer 1

Actually, it is possible for you to start a case against your parents, if they are actually attempting to take you out of this country against your will in order to force you to obey the tenets of a religion you do not follow. You will need two things:

1) A lawyer who is willing to take the case. This may be hard to find, since most lawyers are in it for the money and I doubt you could afford to pay them, being a minor. But many lawyers do pro-bono (for free) work, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) might take your case as well. (Small chance, but you might as well ask).

2) You will need a family to agree to take you and keep you here in America. They would be temporarily becoming your legal guardians and providing you a place to stay, food and upkeep. So find one of your friends' parents who would be willing to take you.

As another option, at 17, you could try to get yourself considered 'emancipated' from your parents, but I think to do that you have to have been living on your own and supporting yourself for a year. You don't seem to qualify.

If your parents pull a fast one on you and drag you to the airport, shout I'M BEING KIDNAPPED as loud as you can to any officer you see. Do not under any circumstances allow them to get you out of the country. Once you're in a Muslim country, your options are VERY limited.

Answer 2

First of my sympathy for you since you are having a lot of emotional upheavals at this tender age.

Secondly, the story of girls born in UK and brought to their ancestor’s home, mostly in greater Sylhet district of Bangladesh have similar experiences as narrated by you.

In Bangladesh of today particularly after 1996 the rule and laws are made so strict to punish any offenders who would harm girls or ladies in any manner. But again, rules and laws would not be of any value if the threats have been carried out and the perpetrator(s) are sent to gallows.

However, try to contact your relatives and/or friends in Bangladesh and ask them what kind of assistance or laws are there to protect you should you be forced to come here by your parents.

Please do not equate Bangladeshi culture and practices with those of Afghanistan and some Arab countries where if you do not wear veil then you are insulted or prosecuted.

Come visit Bangladesh and see for yourself if the myths being portrayed here are true. This is subject to the fact that how determined your parents are to override your personal likings and disliking.

Btw, I have three daughters who or above your age and pursuing their education and life within their taste and choice. Of course, these are also compatible with their friends in Universities, Colleges and Schools. Meaning, they do not dress punk or do something which their peers would not like. They would least be bothered if they are following a 'trend' no matter how much we parents would try to 'motivate'.

Wish you all the luck and hope you could talk with your parents to resolve the issue over the table!

Answer 3

If they try to force you to fly there, scream bloody murder at the airport, at the gate, and in the plane. Tell everyone that they are taking you against your will and you don't want to fly. There is no way the flight crew will allow you to fly. Be absolutely sure you don't say anything that could be considered a threat. Just keep saying "I don't want to go. I don't want to fly. I don't want to leave the country." When they give you the ticket to get on the airplane, tear it up and throw it on the floor.

Also, if you can find a way to care for yourself, you can seek emancipation through the courts.

Answer 4

US citizens have the right to a education. In the US noone can make you do something you don't want to like get married.

Answer 5

You mean McDonalds and the Strawberry Picking fields are hiring.. Good luck on getting a job and keeping it. Better get a degree and go for the manure fields they hardly ever layoff..

Answer 6

Are you seventeen yet? Tell your school couselor about it. If thats too small then I suggest telling the authorities, but nothing has happened yet so....hang in there and listen to your heart!

Answer 7

if you live in the us you can go to the embassy and stay here because of what they are trying to do to you.
call a 'child advocate lawyer'
find a local one (I don't know where you live)
they will help you.
start online- at a library to hide from your parents
talk to a school social worker they will help you find help

Answer 8

As long as you are a minor, I'm afraid that you really have no choice... I'm so sorry..... Unless you are loaded or a celebrity, I don't think the whole "divorce your parents" thing is gonna happen.....

Answer 9

Speak to someone at school (guidance counsellor, teacher, principal).
Ask them to let you know what your options are. It is thier job to know so I am sure you will get more thorough advice than you will get on YA

Answer 10

Yes, and they will sell you to me.