'My cousin wanted me for a passport'

Alan Morrison, the British Consul in Bangladesh, says his team meet a girl like Jessie every week.

Born in Britain but living in rural Bangladesh and promised in marriage to a much older man.

Jessie managed to call the consulate when her father was at evening prayers.

"She told them she was desperate not to marry but did not have any money and was not allowed to look after her own passport," said Mr Morrison.

Jessie had been promised to her cousin at the age of 11. She was due to turn 18 next month so the consul decided to act immediately.

"Her birthday is all important because normally we find a girl will be married on her birthday, so we need to get to her before that date," he explained.

When the embassy receives a call about a British citizen being forced into marriage they normally only have a few hours before the girl is moved away or married off. Full story...

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