The Generalitat’s Directorate General for the Attention of Children and Adolescents (DGAIA) has removed the guardianship rights of the parents of two Bengali sisters amid concerns about a forced marriage arranged by relatives. The intervention comes as authorities work to protect the two minor girls from marriages they do not want and from pressure exerted by family members and the broader community surrounding them.
At a police station in Barcelona, one of the sisters publicly described ongoing attempts by her family to compel her into a marriage with a man from her homeland. She is currently placed under protective care in a secure location managed by the Generalitat while the situation is assessed by social services and the legal system. Officials told press agencies that protection measures were requested not for one girl alone but for both sisters, with guardianship oversight temporarily transferred to DGAIA to ensure the children’s safety.
The Catalan administration confirmed that de facto guardianship has been assumed by the state as part of a protective act for the minors, given the family’s involvement in the case. This shift means the parents no longer hold parental rights over the two young women while authorities evaluate the best interests of the girls and consider long-term guardianship arrangements if needed.
The alarm was raised late Thursday after a complaint was filed with the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force. The report follows a recent incident in which relatives of two other Pakistani sisters residing in Terrassa, near Barcelona, were involved in a case linked to the prevention of forced marriages. Local authorities emphasized that forced unions are a crime under the Penal Code, and that abuse prevention protocols are activated to support victims who are underage.
Local and national media reported that the girl who brought the Thursday complaint did so at a police station in the Raval district of Barcelona. The account indicates that she has lived in the city for several years with her 15-year-old sister and three brothers, all of whom were born in Spain. The young woman told officers that her family had arranged a marriage with a Bangladeshi man unknown to her and that those plans involved relocation to that country in June, despite her refusals and the threats she faced.
Social service agencies and law enforcement have reiterated their commitment to protecting underage individuals from coercion in marriage. In this case, authorities are reviewing the family dynamics, cultural pressures, and the potential for long-term protective measures. Victim support groups point out that young people in these situations often face multiple risk factors, including isolation, fear of retaliation, and pressure from extended family networks. The Mossos d’Esquadra, along with social services and advocacy organizations, are coordinating efforts to ensure the sisters receive appropriate support, including legal guidance, counseling, and safety planning.
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to determine the best course of action to preserve the minors’ autonomy while respecting their cultural background and family circumstances. While protecting the rights and safety of those involved, authorities aim to address the root causes that lead to forced marriages, such as gender-based coercion, social stigma, and the lack of clear channels for young people to seek help. The case underscores the importance of early reporting, trusted protective networks, and rapid response measures to prevent harm and provide options for voluntary, informed decisions about personal life choices.
The broader context in Catalonia includes ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention programs and provide resources for vulnerable youths who may be at risk. Law enforcement authorities emphasize that prevention protocols are routinely offered to communities, and specialized services are available to assist victims in navigating legal procedures, safeguarding their rights, and accessing safe housing and educational opportunities. These measures are designed to support survivors and to deter potential perpetrators from exploiting familial or cultural ties to coerce young people into unwanted unions.
In the days ahead, officials will continue to monitor the situation, liaise with social workers, and assess whether continued guardianship by the state best serves the interests of the sisters. The aim remains clear: ensure safety, protect autonomy, and provide a clear path for education and personal development free from pressure or violence. This case will be watched closely as authorities, social services, and community advocates work together to prevent forced marriages and to promote the rights and dignity of all young people involved.