United Nations in Bangladesh

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bangladesh:

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Speech

30 March 2026

“The world wastes far too much food.” - Secretary General António Guterres on the International Day of Zero Waste 2026.

The world wastes far too much food.Every day, we throw away enough to prepare 1 billion meals — while letting 9 percent of humanity go hungry.We are putting our climate, ecosystems and health at risk.And threatening our ability to feed ourselves in the future.That’s why this year’s International Day of Zero Waste spotlights the mounting food waste crisis — and calls on each of us to take action.Consumers can make a big impact with small changes in their shopping and cooking habits.Retailers can optimize their operations and redistribute surplus food.Cities can scale organic waste separation and strengthen procurement for schools and hospitals.And national governments can drive systemic change by addressing food waste in their climate action and biodiversity plans and forging public-private partnerships.Through initiatives like the Food Waste Breakthrough and No Organic Waste, both launched at COP30, we can halve food waste by 2030, cut its methane emissions by up to 7 percent, and build circular, resilient food systems.Beyond protecting our planet, these efforts will create green jobs;Reduce food insecurity and climate impacts;And prevent up to 1 trillion US dollars in economic losses each year.We cannot take food for granted.Together, let’s build the zero-waste food systems we need to nourish both people and planet.

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24 February 2026

Top 5 water crises coastal women face due to climate change

“What problems do you face while collecting water?”Laxmi Rani Baidya from Shyamnagar Satkhira, a southwestern district of Bangladesh, paused before answering. “The moment we step out of the house, the challenges begin. As women, sometimes talking about these problems feels redundant,” she said, and women around agreed with her. Across Bangladesh’s coastal belt, salinity intrusion has become a burning issue due to climate change. This has made freshwater scarce. Women walk miles every day to collect drinking water and to meet household needs. Along the way, they encounter layers of social, physical, and emotional hardships. In conversations with coastal women, five major challenges were detected that define their daily struggle for water.©UNDP Bangladesh1. A Battle with TimeWomen in coastal areas walk 2–5 km daily to fetch safe drinking water, sometimes two or three times a day, spending up to 6 hours, time that could be used for work, education, or family. In addition to that, sometimes they have to go out after dawn to collect water. If they return late, people start questioning their integrity. And the plight does not end there, going to collect water means children and livestock stay unattended, heightening vulnerability to accidents. Homes are left exposed to theft and robbery, further increasing their sense of insecurity.And even though women bear the responsibility of collecting water, they still require permission from male family members to leave the house. 2. Harassment Both Online and Offline The walk to freshwater sources is often marred by eve teasing and catcalling. Women shared that even while balancing heavy pitchers, they must stay alert to avoid unwanted remarks. With widespread access to smartphones, harassment has taken new forms — men capture photos or videos without consent and circulate them online, causing further humiliation and stigma.3. Menstrual Hygiene and Health Risks Most coastal women rely on cloth rags during menstruation, which becomes especially difficult when walking long distances. To avoid the discomfort, many resort to taking birth-control pills to delay their periods. Even when they have their periods, they remain exposed to saline water. This unsafe condition leads to serious reproductive health complications like infection or cancer. Along with this, carrying heavy pitchers on a regular basis causes prolapsed uterus among women. ©UNDP Bangladesh4. Early Marriage and Domestic ViolenceFrequent harassment on the roads pushes families to marry off girls early, believing it will protect them from stigma. In parallel, prolonged use of birth-control pills disrupts women’s reproductive health, sometimes causing challenges in expecting children. It leads to emotional stress and, in many cases, domestic violence.5. Income Generation and Educational Activities
Since a lot of time goes by collecting water, this constricts their time for other works. They can barely concentrate on their household. This is the first place disrupts educational activities among women and at home reduces income generation opportunities. Many women said that, if they had the time, they would have invested it on livelihood like vegetable farming at their home.
UNDP Bangladesh, through programmes like Gender-Responsive Coastal Adaptation (GCA) and Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC); with support from the Green Climate Fund, and the Embassy of Sweden and Denmark, is working to reduce this burden. By installing safe water points closer to homes, these initiatives aim to ensure that no woman has to walk miles just to secure a glass of clean drinking water.

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24 February 2026

A Growing Movement in the Hill Tracts Against Digital Gender-Based Violence

For many women and girls, violence can seep through something as small as a phone screen. An unwanted text, a fake image or unhinged words. It follows them onto their phones, into their social media feeds, and into the private digital spaces where they hoped to feel safe. This year’s 16 Days of Activism focuses on digital violence. A growing form of harm that shapes how women learn, work, and express themselves online.Across the world, online abuse has become one of the fastest-rising forms of gender-based violence. UN studies show that women, especially young women, face far higher levels of harassment, threats, and non-consensual image sharing than men. WHO reminds us that one in three women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. A 2023 UN study found that women, particularly young women and activists, are 27 times more likely to be harassed online than men. Today, many of those experiences are happening behind screens, often hidden from family and community support. In Bangladesh, digital violence has taken on new urgency as more young people connect to the internet. Girls are often the first to feel the risks—fake accounts, threatening messages, pressure for photos, and the fear of being shamed online. In remote areas, these fears are even sharper. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) has seen a quiet rise in online harassment, especially among indigenous girls who have limited access to digital literacy and fewer places to seek help. One teacher in Rangamati explained it simply, “Our girls are excited to use phones. But they don’t always feel safe. They know the danger, even when they cannot name it.”To respond to this growing concern, the Ecosystems Restoration Resilient Development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (ERRD-CHT) Project, with support from Global Affairs Canada and the European Union, launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign across the region. It aims to raise awareness about both digital and traditional gender-based violence, teach young people how to stay safe online, and bring communities together to support women and girls.Since 25 November 2025, the campaign has reached 3,959 people. This includes 2,672 women and girls and 1,287 men and boys, showing strong engagement from both groups. Students from 24 schools and colleges joined rallies, art competitions, debates, and digital safety sessions. Community members and traditional leaders gathered to discuss how online behaviour affects real lives. Many heard the term “digital violence” for the first time. During a poster-writing session in Khagrachhari, a college student said, “I thought harassment only meant someone touching you. Now I understand that a message can hurt too.”Others shared stories they had kept quiet for years. A young Marma girl whispered after a session, “I was scared to talk about what happened to me online. Today I learned it was not my fault.”Men and boys also took part, discussing their roles in creating safer spaces. A father in Bandarban reflected, “We must guide our sons. What they say online matters. It can protect a girl or break her confidence.”Reproductive Health Care Workers are also helping extend the campaign’s reach by sharing key messages with students and Mothers Club members in schools and colleges. Local police officers are visiting selected schools to talk directly with young people about the 16 Days of Activism, available support services, and how victim support centres operate.Across six upazilas, Local Volunteer Mediators Forums and youth groups are hosting events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bringing together teachers, education officers, students, mothers’ groups, and RHCWs to strengthen community awareness and collective action.Through simple materials, participatory learning, and strong collaboration with local authorities, the campaign is helping communities recognise digital harm and stand against it.The message from CHT is safety must include the digital world. When women and girls feel safe online, they can study, lead, and dream without fear. Ending digital violence is not only a campaign. It is a promise of dignity and a step toward equality for everyone.I was scared to talk about what happened to me online. Today I learned it was not my fault.

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08 March 2026

Justice that lets every woman and girl live free from fear

Op-ed by Stefan Liller, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh and Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative in Bangladesh.This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” is a call to overcome structural barriers that deny women and girls equal access to justice, such as unequal laws, weak enforcement, discriminatory practices and harmful social norms that undermine rights and perpetuate violence.Across the globe, democratic space is narrowing and hard-won gains for gender equality are under pressure. Women and girls continue to face legal and social systems that institutionalise inequality and restrict their access to protection and redress. In 2026, women worldwide enjoy only 64 per cent of the legal rights held by men (World Bank), leaving them disadvantaged in areas ranging from employment and financial security to safety, property ownership and mobility. Without meaningful access to justice, rights remain promises on paper rather than lived realities.In Bangladesh, the experience of survivors underscores the need to further reform protection systems. As one survivor of sexual violence shared: “When I went to seek redress, I felt like the system saw everything except my pain. I kept asking myself: if justice isn’t for women like me, then who is it for? I stayed quiet for years because I thought no one would believe me. Speaking up was the only way for me to survive, but the journey to justice has been harder than the violence itself.” Her words echo the lived realities of many women and girls.The 2024 National Violence Against Women Survey reveals that 54 per cent of women in Bangladesh have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, yet 64 per cent never told anyone. Silence is rarely a choice; it is often a survival strategy shaped by stigma, fear of retaliation, economic dependency and a lack of confidence in formal systems. When survivors do not see a clear, compassionate and effective path to justice, the system itself becomes another source of harm.Recent steps by the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen legal protections are both timely and necessary. New ordinances addressing domestic violence and sexual harassment in workplaces, educational institutions and online spaces, together with commitments to review the Child Marriage Restraint Act, signal a willingness to close systemic gaps. These measures reflect a life-cycle approach to protection, recognising that adolescent girls, young women, women in the home and workplace, women with disabilities, older women and transgender women face different and intersecting risks."Laws, however, only matter if they work for survivors. Justice must be visible, accessible and humane".Access to justice is inseparable from the realisation of women’s rights. Violence against women and girls is both a human rights violation and a public health crisis. Survivors require not only legal remedies but also confidential health services, psychosocial support and quality, survivor-centred case management. The integration of legal assistance with accessible health and social services is essential to ensure a multisectoral response that will enable women and girls to seek help safely and with dignity.Reformed legislation contributes to Bangladesh’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 5 and 16, as well as international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and ILO Convention 190. These instruments, as well as the Commission on the Status of Women 70 platform, help close legal gaps by expanding definitions, extending protections across physical and digital spaces and acknowledging technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The Cyber Security Ordinance (2025) further strengthens efforts to address online abuse, which disproportionately affects women and girls.At the same time, legal reform must be comprehensive. Certain inequitable provisions within personal laws, dowry-related practices and aspects of rape legislation continue to undermine full equality before the law. Addressing these gaps with urgency and consultation is critical to building a coherent and rights-based legal framework.Laws, however, only matter if they work for survivors. Justice must be visible, accessible and humane. Internal complaint committees must be functional, independent and trusted. Reporting mechanisms must be safe and confidential. Police, health providers, social workers, legal aid services, employers and educational institutions must coordinate effectively to ensure timely referrals and survivor-centred support. Multi-sectoral response systems anchored in trained social service professionals and quality case management must be available to all survivors, regardless of age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, location or gender identity.Adequate financing is equally essential. Legal reforms without resources for implementation, monitoring and oversight risk remaining symbolic. Investment in training for law enforcement, judicial actors, health providers and social workers is critical to ensure that survivors are treated with respect and that cases are handled ethically and efficiently. Strengthened data systems, including those addressing technology-facilitated violence, are necessary to track progress, inform policy and hold institutions accountable. Supporting women’s movements and women’s rights organizations, which have long driven legal reform and accountability, is also needed. Preventing child marriage is also central to advancing justice. Child marriage remains both a driver and a consequence of gender inequality and gender-based violence, cutting short girls’ education, exposing them to early pregnancy, which increases their vulnerability to abuse, and closing the door to future opportunities. Ensuring that the Child Marriage Restraint Act is aligned with international human rights standards and effectively enforced will protect girls’ rights, health and futures.Public awareness and community engagement must accompany legal change. Women, girls and young people need accessible information about their rights and available services and the removal of all barriers to accessing these. Men and boys must be engaged as allies in challenging harmful norms and supporting equality. Community and religious leaders, sports champions, musicians and artists can be powerful in a movement to bring about this change for the women and girls of Bangladesh.
Above all, we must be clear: gender-based violence and child marriage are preventable. Strong laws are powerful instruments for shaping safer, more equal societies when enforced with commitment, care and accountability. Justice is about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust and ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from fear.The United Nations, including UNFPA and UN Women, stands firmly with the women and girls, men and boys of Bangladesh, calling for the conservation and extension of gains made and for translating commitments into action. Together, we can ensure equality in law and in practice, so that rights are realised not in theory but in the everyday lives of all women and girls across Bangladesh. The op-ed was originally published in The Daily Star. Click here to read.

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11 March 2026

Empowering National Human Rights Commission is a must for Bangladesh

In the first session of Bangladesh’s 13th parliament, the government will place before it key ordinances promulgated during the interim period, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance, 2025. With over 600 stakeholders contributing to consultations—including national experts, international voices such as the United Nations, and a wide spectrum of civil society—the drafting process of this ordinance has been unprecedented in its inclusivity. The breadth of engagement sends a strong signal that the weaknesses of the 2009 law needed to be addressed, and that an NHRC responding to the current demands in Bangladesh must have the authority and independence necessary to protect rights effectively.Consideration of the NHRC ordinance comes at a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic transition and institutional renewal. The National Human Rights Commission is central to that renewal. The government and parliament now have the opportunity to empower the commission by endorsing the ordinance and ensuring consideration of key proposals raised by various stakeholders to guarantee its independence, credibility, and service to all people in Bangladesh. A strong NHRC, accountable above all to the citizens, is not a peripheral body; it is a cornerstone of democratic governance, the rule of law, and public trust. It can serve as a vital bridge between citizens and the state—monitoring and investigating human rights conditions, advising on legislation, supporting victims, and promoting accountability.In many countries, national human rights institutions contribute to identifying structural human rights challenges, supporting institutional accountability, and helping address emerging tensions through independent analysis and constructive recommendations. A strengthened NHRC can also play a broader strategic role. The ordinance, in its current form, gives the commission clearer powers to promote and protect human rights, address complaints, conduct investigations, inspect places of detention, and seek remedies. It also designates the NHRC as the national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), an important responsibility that will require ensuring adequate independence and resources.We welcome the ordinance as the most significant strengthening of the NHRC since its establishment, addressing many of the gaps that long limited its compliance with the Paris Principles, including the lack of financial and institutional independence and limitations in its powers. In a transitional context where accountability, prevention, and public confidence are paramount, these gains should be preserved and further strengthened through full parliamentary consideration and proper legislative debate.National human rights institutions, like the NHRC, ought to be established either through constitutional or legislative text. This calls for careful parliamentary deliberation to ensure the institution’s mandate, independence, and credibility are fully secured. It is therefore necessary for parliament, when establishing such institutions, to ensure the presence of a broad mandate, independence, and adequate protections, so that the institution can safeguard all rights and ensure victims are not ignored.Bangladesh can finally establish a National Human Rights Commission fully compliant with the Paris Principles—an institution marked by independence, pluralism, a broad mandate, transparent selection processes, and meaningful engagement with civil society. It would be the commission that many Bangladeshi women and men have long called for. Doing so would reinforce the country’s long-standing commitment to human rights, strengthen public confidence, and advance democratic governance and justice for all.Stefan Liller is the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i and the UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh.Ajit Singh is the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh.Christian Brix Møller is the Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh.Joris van Bommel is the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh.Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen is the Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh.

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15 April 2026

Bangladesh strengthens tobacco control through landmark legislative reform

The Government of Bangladesh has taken a significant step forward to protect public health with the approval of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, a landmark reform that strengthens tobacco control measures and advances the country’s vision of a tobacco-free Bangladesh. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and continues to pose a major public health burden in Bangladesh. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey Bangladesh (GATS) 20171, more than one-third of adults (35.3%, approximately 37.8 million people) used tobacco. This includes 18.0% who smoked tobacco and 20.6% who used smokeless tobacco. Tobacco use is also evident among adolescents, as reported in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey Bangladesh (GYTS) 20132, with 6.9% of students aged 13–15 years that used tobacco.  In 2021, tobacco use caused an estimated 130 thousand deaths in Bangladesh, accounting for 21.9% of all deaths. Most of these deaths were due to smoking (79.9%) and second-hand smoke exposure (20.9%)3. Beyond its health impacts, tobacco use significantly undermines Bangladesh’s economy, costing an estimated BDT 305.6 billion in health care and lost productivity in 20184 alone.These figures highlight the urgent need for strengthened policy measures to reduce tobacco-related illness, disability, and premature death.WHO support for strengthened tobacco control legislation and implementationWHO has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and the National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) over recent years to support efforts to reduce tobacco use. This collaboration culminated in the adoption of the amended ordinance, which introduces unprecedented, stronger and more comprehensive tobacco control measures. WHO support included technical inputs based on global best practices, facilitation of stakeholder consultations, and guidance on adapting international standards to the national context, ensuring that the strengthened legislation meets international public health norms. As a result, the amended ordinance is aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the MPOWER package of evidence-based tobacco control measures, which support countries to Monitor tobacco use, Protect people from tobacco smoke, Offer help to quit , Warn about the dangers of tobacco, Enforce bans on advertising, and Raise taxes on tobacco products. The key measures introduced in the amended ordinance include:  a ban on all emerging tobacco and nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products; enhanced graphic health warnings increased from 50% to 75% with standardized packaging; a prohibition on tobacco industry corporate social responsibility activities; ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. ban of designated smoking areas expansion of smoke-free public places to cover all indoor spaces and all forms of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco), prohibition of the sale and use of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, clinics and playgroundsstrengthens penalties and enforcement provisions.  Following the approval of the ordinance on 30 December 2025, a national stakeholder consultation was held on 27 January 2026, organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) with technical assistance from WHO, to mobilize coordinated multisector efforts towards effective implementation of the amended ordinance and its translation into action. The meeting was presided over by the Secretary of the Health Services Division and attended by high-level government officials and key stakeholders from across sectors, with Ms Nurjahan Begum, Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as Chief Guest, and Ms Farida Akhter, Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, as Special Guest.
Participants included representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, Bloomberg Initiative partners and grantees, non-governmental organizations, development partners, and tobacco control advocates. During the consultation, several recommendations were brought forward, such as enforcing the 100-meter tobacco-free zone around educational institutions and ensuring that the Secretariat and government health facilities are fully smoke-free. The Secretary of the Health Services Division also noted that the recent joint declaration signed by 35 ministries and agencies on NCD prevention institutionalizes shared, multisectoral responsibility for NCD prevention, thereby providing an effective tool to support implementation of the new tobacco control ordinance.  This legislative achievement demonstrates how evidence-informed policymaking, strategic stakeholder engagement, and WHO’s technical guidance can translate into effective public health action.
If effectively implemented, the ordinance will accelerate progress toward national and global tobacco control targets, improve health and wellbeing, and save lives. It will significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and premature deaths, protect children and youth from nicotine addiction, and generate long-term health and economic gains for Bangladesh. By strengthening its tobacco control framework, Bangladesh has reinforced its commitment to a tobacco-free future, contributing to improved population health and sustainable development.  For more information about this publication, please get in touch with Roberta Tosques, Strategic Communication and Advocacy Officer, WHO Bangladesh, at tosquesr@who.int(1) Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), National Tobacco Control Cell, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; RTI International; World Health Organization (WHO). Bangladesh Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2017: Final Report. Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics; 2018. Available from: https://drupal.gtssacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GATS-Report-Final-2017.pdf (Accessed 02/02/2026) (2) World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), Bangladesh Report 2013. New Delhi: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia; 2015. ISBN: 978-92-9022-481-5. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/164335/9789290224815-GYTS-TFI.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y (Accessed 02/02/2026). (3) Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Bangladesh profile. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/health-by-location/profiles/bangladesh (Accessed 02/02/2026)  (4) Faruque GM, Ahmed M, Huq I, Perven R, Wadood SN. The economic cost of tobacco use in Bangladesh: a health cost approach. Technical report. 2020. Available from: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.33392.28169/1

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15 April 2026

Bangladesh endorses its first National Oral Health Strategy and Action Plan to address a long-neglected public health challenge

The Government of Bangladesh has endorsed its first National Oral Health Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030) to address the burden of oral diseases and close critical gaps in service delivery and workforce capacity. The strategy aligns national efforts with the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy and the WHO Regional Action Plan for Oral Health in South-east Asia (2022-2030). In line with the regional targets, the strategy implementation is expected to contribute to a 33.3% relative reduction in premature mortality from oral cancer and a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of untreated dental caries by 2030 (1) Despite its importance, oral health remains one of the most neglected areas of public health, both globally and in Bangladesh. More than 80% of population in Bangladesh is affected by at least one oral disease, and nearly 14.000 new cases of oral cancer were reported in 2020. Moreover, 71% of people surveyed claimed never having received any form of dental care. The main contributing factors to this situation include limited access to oral health services in rural areas, low levels of health literacy, insufficient oral health workforce, and weak integration of oral health within primary health care.
For example, Bangladesh is reported to have 0.6 dental surgeons per 10.000 population, and no data are available on dental assistants or dental therapists for the period 2014–2019 (2).
Together, these systemic gaps delay prevention, early detection and treatment across the population, and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, people living in poverty, and communities in rural and informal urban settlements.Laying the groundwork for oral health reform In recent years, Bangladesh has taken several important steps to address key risk factors for oral diseases and advance public health. These include the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce diet-related health risks, as well as active participation in the 2024 Bangkok Declaration on Oral Health, demonstrating the country’s commitment to regional cooperation in tackling the burden of oral diseases. Building on this momentum, and under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) Programme of the Directorate General of Health Services led the development of the National Oral Health Strategy and Action Plan of Bangladesh (2025–2030), with technical support from WHO, and in collaboration with the ARK Foundation.  “Bangladesh has shown real leadership by taking action on key risk factors like sugar consumption and by engaging actively in regional commitments such as the Bangkok Declaration,” said Dr Nalika Gunawardena, Regional Adviser for Noncommunicable Diseases, in WHO SEARO. Dr Nalika Gunawardena contributed to the development of the strategy and highlighted how “This National Oral Health Strategy turns the commitment into a practical roadmap, one that will help strengthen services, expand the workforce and deliver improvements in oral health for people across the country”. A strategic framework for actionThe strategy aligns national priorities with the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and NCD prevention goals, advancing health equity, quality of life, and other development objectives. It was developed through a participatory, evidence-based process involving a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of national experts, and the support of WHO. It is structured around six strategic objectives:  strengthening governance and leadership through multisectoral collaboration; improving access to affordable, essential oral health services, particularly for vulnerable and remote populations; expanding and upskilling the oral health workforce, including community health workers; promoting prevention through healthy behaviours, policy implementation, health education and community outreach; strengthening data systems and research to inform planning and policymaking; and ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms to support long-term impact. Together, these efforts are expected to deliver measurable improvements in oral health outcomes across Bangladesh by 2030. This is why the implementation of the new Oral Health Strategy represents a critical priority. WHO reiterates its full commitment to supporting the Government in translating this strategy into concrete action and measurable results. “The endorsement of Bangladesh’s first National Oral Health Strategy and Action Plan marks an important milestone” stated WHO Representative Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, after the strategy was endorsed by the Government of Bangladesh. “The priority now is, its effective implementation. Turning this strategy into action will be essential to reduce avoidable suffering and improve oral health outcomes for millions of people.” For more information about this publication, please get in touch with Roberta Tosques, Strategic Communication and Advocacy Officer, WHO Bangladesh, at tosquesr@who.int(1) Action plan for oral health in South-East Asia 2022–2030: towards universal health coverage for oral health. New Delhi: World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO (2) World Health Organization. Oral Health Bangladesh 2022 country profile [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2022 [cited 2026 Feb 12]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/oral-health-bgd-2022-country-profile

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13 April 2026

A Child Rights Manifesto to build a better future for every child

What is the Child Rights Manifesto?As I write this, Bangladesh stands on the verge of a critical democratic milestone – the first national election, to be held in February 2026, following the July 2024 revolution. Historically speaking, as the political parties design their campaigns for forthcoming elections, one of the most important stakeholders – the children of the country – are often excluded from their election manifestos.In Bangladesh, children represent over 38 per cent of the population and yet, their rights and voices often receive limited attention in national policy debates, particularly during elections when political priorities overshadow public discourse. Identifying this disparity presented a critical opportunity for UNICEF to advocate for the mainstreaming of child rights as one of the political agendas. This initiative ultimately led to the creation of the Child Rights Manifesto, a list of 10 commitments shaped by consultations with children and young people, intended to secure formal pledges from political parties and candidates to prioritize investments in children.Youth Consultations for the Child Rights ManifestoThe 10 commitments are a result of six different children and youth consultations held all over the country in October 2025. As a member of UNICEF’s Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), I had the opportunity to facilitate one such consultation session in Chittagong. The participants were from indigenous backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and with diverse socioeconomic upbringings, and the diversity was anything but tokenistic. They were all very much in touch with the needs of their communities, and together, they worked through the challenges addressing the changes they wanted to see. This was also a huge learning experience for me. I learned that, till this day, the primary source of drinking water of several communities from the hill tracts is muddy swamps. Many schools in even some of the more progressive areas of Bangladesh are still not equipped to cater to the requirements of children with disabilities.“No child marriage.” “No child labour.” “An open playground.”

As the young consultants neatly documented the problems along with the changes they want to see, I was forced to reckon with the stark reality facing the children of our country.The changes that children want to see are so fundamental, and yet they have to ask for these very basic rights. This also made me realize why the Child Rights Manifesto is so important. It is that invisible safety net that we hope will protect and ensure a more equitable future for the children of Bangladesh, regardless of who comes into power after the national elections. Signing of the Child Rights Manifesto12 political parties gathered to sign the Child Rights Manifesto on 1 December 2025, in Dhaka.Following the opening remarks by UNICEF Youth Advocate, Gargee Tanushree Paul, the Child Rights Manifesto was introduced to the attendees by Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. In her speech, Ms. Flowers expressed her hopes of the signing to be only the beginning of a continued commitment of the political parties towards investment in the children of Bangladesh. Afterwards, my fellow YPAG members, Anika, Azhor, Neamul, and I had the opportunity to present the 10 commitments of the Child Rights Manifesto to the audience. As I watched the political leaders in front of us nod along, I hoped that somewhere deep within, they are conscious of the responsibility they have towards ensuring a safe, healthy, and inclusive childhood for the children of our country.The presentation was followed by remarks and commitments from the leaders of the political parties, think tanks, trade unions, and other key parts of society present at the event. Finally came the historic moment – the signing of the manifesto. All 12 political parties signed the Child Rights Manifesto – a promise to uphold the rights and wellbeing of the children of Bangladesh. The event ended with closing remarks by a 15-year-old Child Journalist, Iftesham, where he reflected on the hopes and expectations of young children from this manifesto."We are hopeful that the commitments made today will be reflected in future policies, budgets, and action plans. We expect to see stronger child-sensitive budgeting, enhanced social protection systems, climate adaptation measures that prioritize children, and equitable access to education and health services for all," Iftesham shared. The Way ForwardHaving been involved in the education of underprivileged children for over five years now, I am familiar with the existing level of welfare for children in Bangladesh. Yet being part of UNICEF’s Child Rights Manifesto initiative brought in fresh and alarming perspectives about the current state of well-being of the children in our country and re-affirmed my belief that we still have a long way to go in bridging the gap.While the signing of the Child Rights Manifesto is a step in the right direction, it is by no means the last. The 10 commitments on education, health, skills, protection, climate resilience, and more are guidelines for the political parties to develop their policies and ensure the protection of every child’s rights. We have a long road ahead, and children and young people are ready to extend their help whenever required in this journey. But the responsibility to fulfill these commitments lies in the hands of our political leaders. Children and young people will continue working to keep them accountable to fulfil the 10 commitments of the Child Rights Manifesto.Saria Chowdhury is a member of UNICEF Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) in Bangladesh. She is also a graduate student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and an advocate for quality education for all children.

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13 April 2026

Eight reasons to be hopeful in 2026

2025 was a year of global upheaval for humanitarian and development sectors. The challenges faced by children were and continue to be enormous -- brutal conflicts, challenges to the world’s fundamental commitment to multilateralism, growing uncertainties, and shocking, demoralizing budget cuts. Yet through it all we have remained constant to our guiding principle that each child deserves a chance at a decent life. These challenges have also nurtured courage, compassion, and resilience in each one of us.Bangladesh was not immune to these global challenges. But despite the difficult times, there were also moments of progress and positive change for the children and families across the country – a reminder of why we remain committed to this work and to the people we serve.Here are eight reasons why we are hopeful about the year ahead. Twelve political parties signed the Child Rights ManifestoIn an era of pushback on child rights globally, UNICEF is reinvigorating advocacy around child rights. Last December, UNICEF successfully brought together 12 political parties to endorse a Child Rights Manifesto - a document of clear commitments shaped by the vibrant voices of children and young people in Bangladesh, advocating for a future that respects and protects their rights.Children represent over 38 per cent of the population in the country, and yet, their rights and voices often receive limited attention in national policy debates. Identifying this disparity presented a critical opportunity for UNICEF to advocate for the mainstreaming of child rights as one of the political agendas.This initiative ultimately led to the creation of the Child Rights Manifesto, a list of 10 commitments shaped by consultations with children and young people, intended to secure formal pledges from political parties and candidates to prioritize investments in children. This stands as a shining example of political advocacy fueled by genuine and impactful youth engagement.“We are hopeful that the commitments made today will be reflected in future policies, budgets, and action plans. We expect to see stronger child-sensitive budgeting, enhanced social protection systems, climate adaptation measures that prioritize children, and equitable access to education and health services for all," says 15-year-old child journalist Iftesham.”
Today, as Bangladesh stands at an important crossroads preparing to welcome a newly elected Government following the national elections, there is an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to children’s rights and well-being. It presents a critical window to address persistent gaps and accelerate progress while placing children and young people at the centre of national development priorities. UNICEF stands ready to strengthen our partnership with the Government in this new chapter. Children and young people were embedded at the heart of Bangladesh’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)In the last few years, children in Bangladesh have faced devastating effects of extreme weather events and climate hazards.They have woken up in evacuation shelters. Drank unsafe water. Watched their parents struggle to rebuild homes and livelihoods that have been destroyed not once, but repeatedly. And they're missing school not for days, but for weeks.Last year, the Interim Government of Bangladesh set a global precedent with a powerful child and youth-sensitive NDC 3.0. To integrate youth perspectives and embed children and young people at the heart of NDC 3.0, UNICEF supported the Government in conducting seven youth consultations across the country in climate-vulnerable areas. It strategically places children and young people, women, and the most vulnerable at the core of climate action. This is a huge win for child rights.The NDC recognizes the disproportionate and devastating impacts of climate change which disrupt the essential services children and young people rely on. It focuses on key areas including health, food security and nutrition, water and sanitation, education, child protection, disaster risk reduction, and loss and damage.But to effectively execute NDC 3.0 and realize its ambitious 2035 targets, Bangladesh will need strong national leadership and sustained international support. UNICEF stands ready to collaborate closely with the Government, MoEFCC, and partners to mobilize climate finance, scale up child-sensitive and resilience building solutions, and ensure children and young people are engaged in both implementation and monitoring.NDC 3.0 sets a new benchmark: a transformative blueprint to protect children and young people today, to secure a safer, more resilient future for all. Bangladesh achieved over 97% coverage in the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaignDespite being preventable, typhoid fever still claims 6000 lives each year in Bangladesh. The disease spreads easily through contaminated food and water, and children are especially vulnerable.To address this, the Government of Bangladesh launched a nationwide, month-long Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign last October, targeting nearly 50 million children.Health workers went an extra mile – crossing rivers and climbing hills – to make sure life-saving vaccines reached children in every corner of the country. Children in marshy lands, coastal belts, and remote hilltops; children with disabilities; children from underprivileged families; children in nomadic, ethnic, and tea-garden communities; students in Kawmi Madrasas; and children of sex workers, all were included. In the Rohingya camps, over 424,000 children were protected.Bangladesh achieved over 97% coverage, protecting more than 42.5 million children. UNICEF supported the Interim Government of Bangladesh in this vaccination drive, by supplying 50.4 million TCV doses and strengthening every stage of delivery – from planning to communication.This remarkable success reflects the strong commitment of the Government, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, and partners. Bangladesh is now among the global leaders in typhoid prevention – the eighth country in the world to roll out this life-saving campaign nationwide. HPV vaccine is integrated into the routine immunization programme for girlsCervical cancer is caused by a common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is one of the leading causes of death among women globally, and in Bangladesh. Every year, more than five thousand women lose their lives to cervical cancer in the country.In December 2024, the interim Government of Bangladesh reached a significant milestone in protecting this generation of girls from cervical cancer. The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign reached 5.6 million adolescent girls (93 per cent of those aged 10-14) – including those from the most marginalized communities.UNICEF delivered the vaccines and worked together with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), WHO, the Interim Government of Bangladesh and partners at the national and local levels to ensure wide coverage, supporting the overall planning, monitoring and execution of the vaccination campaign.Following the success, the HPV vaccine was integrated into the routine immunization programme starting in 2025. This marks a significant step toward eliminating preventable cervical cancer, with even more girls expected to be vaccinated in 2026 and beyond. 73% of the population in Bangladesh now uses basic sanitation servicesThe preliminary findings of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025 (MICS 2025), conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics in partnership with UNICEF, show encouraging progress for children and families in Bangladesh.73% of the population now uses basic sanitation services – including improved toilets, septic tanks, and latrines – up from 64.4 per cent in 2019. This improvement means fewer children falling sick, fewer children missing schools, and a healthier future for children.However, much needs to be done. The finding also reveals that only 39.3 per cent of the population has access to safely managed drinking water that is free from E. coli and low in arsenic. This shows that the quality of water remains a serious concern, with direct consequences on children’s health and overall well-being.Building on these findings, UNICEF will collaborate with the Government to turn this evidence into policies that promote investments and decisions supporting every child's survival and development. Bangladesh won the SAFF U-20 Women’s ChampionshipBangladesh’s under 20 women’s football team won the sixth edition of the SAFF U-20 Women's Championship in 2025. This is a big win in a country where sports like football remain a male-dominated sport.Wins like this are especially inspiring for girls like Shymuli and Rani, because it encourages them to take up sports, dream bigger and believe in their potential. They grow up having more female role models to look up to. In Bangladesh, the Sports for Development programme (S4D) is helping girls like them gain the confidence and support they need to break barriers and challenge harmful social norms that hold them back.The initiative was launched by UNICEF with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2022. Girls can choose to receive training in some of these categories: football, volleyball, kabaddi, SwimSafe, badminton, self-defense, cricket, skateboarding, surfing, and local games. As part of the initiative, they also attend sessions where they learn about the harms of child marriage and abuse, importance of education, positive parenting, and so much more. The Government approved two landmark laws to protect children and womenThis January, Bangladesh took a decisive step forward for the safety and dignity of women and children. The Interim Government approved two landmark ordinances – the enactment of the Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Ordinance 2026 and the amendment of the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Ordinance 2026. The ordinance on sexual harassment seeks to ensure a safe, dignified, and discrimination-free environment in workplaces and educational institutions. It expands the definition of sexual harassment to include physical, verbal, non-verbal, online abuse and mandates institutions to create Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to address cases. It is expected that a special fund will be created to assist survivors with financial aid, rehabilitation, counseling, and legal assistance.The updated Prevention of Domestic Violence Ordinance, 2026 broadens the definition of domestic violence to include physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and digital violence. The law aims to provide prompt protection, shelter, medical care, legal aid, and rehabilitation for survivors. Violations are punishable by imprisonment or fines, and officials can be held accountable for negligence.These ordinances mark a significant step towards ensuring safety, dignity and justice for women and children in homes, schools, and workplaces. UNICEF welcomes this important move and acknowledges the leadership of the Interim Government, alongside UN agencies, partners, civil society actors, and women’s rights networks, whose relentless advocacy efforts made this possible.As Bangladesh looks ahead to a new chapter under a government that has secured a two-thirds majority, there is a timely opportunity to translate these legal commitments into action and ensure that women and children can safely access services that protect them, without fear or stigma. The resilience of children and families in the countryFinally, the children and families we work for in Bangladesh give us tremendous hope.2025 was a year marked by disasters and upheaval. Floods in southeastern Bangladesh. Fire in the Rohingya refugee camps, the Korail slum, and factories. Civil unrest.Through it all, the resilience and determination of children and families have inspired us to keep going. Their hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow remind us that we must never give up.In the wake of the July Revolution – led by the courage and determination of young people demanding for accountability and a better future – the people of Bangladesh have successfully held its national elections. The country now stands at a pivotal moment of hope, change, and transformation, with a historic opportunity to build a safer, more just, and more inclusive environment for the younger generation.No matter what 2026 brings, we remain committed to striving every day for a brighter and hopeful future for every child.

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13 April 2026

A stronger start for newborns and new moms

As Cox’s Bazar was waking up one November morning, an auto-rickshaw sped towards the Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital. Inside, a mother had given birth on the way.Health workers rushed forward, guiding the exhausted mother and her newborn into the facility. One team took the mother to the labour ward. Another team carefully carried the tiny baby to the Special Care Newborn Unit (SCANU).The mother was 37-year-old Misnahar. Her son had been born far too early, weighing just 900 grams and immediately started showing respiratory issues. Inside the SCANU, nurses placed him on oxygen support, monitoring him closely. Tubes and wires surrounded his small body, with machines measuring every breath and heartbeat. For the first 24 hours, Misnahar could not hold her baby. She anxiously watched him through the glass wall surrounding the unit.“I could not stop crying,” says Misnahar. “The first 15 days were some of the most difficult days of my life.”One month laterToday, Misnahar’s baby weighs 1.5 kilograms. Still tiny but steadily growing stronger. She has named him Mir Mohammed Sarid.Each day, she has been learning how to care for him. Keeping him warm with kangaroo mother care, feeding him only breastmilk, burping him gently after every feed, washing her hands frequently to protect him from infection. Nurses showed her how to read Sarid’s cues. Doctors explained what signs to watch once they returned home. She followed every instruction carefully and that made a big difference. Sarid still needs regular follow-ups. His next screening will check for retinopathy – an eye condition that can affect premature babies, especially those on oxygen therapy. Misnahar knows that the road ahead will require patience. But her fear is slowly being overpowered by hope.“When my son grows up, I want him to become a doctor or a nurse,” says Misnahar. “The people here saved my baby’s life. Maybe one day he can save others.”
Sarid’s survival was possible because Misnahar reached the hospital just in time and specialized newborn care was available when he needed it the most.Bangladesh records 22 neonatal deaths for every 1,000 live births. This accounts for 67% of all under-five deaths, according to the recently released preliminary findings of MICS 2025. Newborn survival is therefore the top child health priority.Across the country, UNICEF and partners have supported the Government to establish Special Care Newborn Units in 62 public hospitals. These units are designed to treat low-birthweight and critically ill newborns like Sarid with life-saving care. The units are equipped with reliable medical oxygen, radiant warmers, phototherapy, resuscitators, and continuous monitoring.In Cox’s Bazar District Sadar hospital, a referral facility serving both host communities and over one million Rohingya refugees, the 65-bed SCANU is a lifeline.“The unit has transformed healthcare for newborns,” says Dr. Imtiaz, one of the medical officers in charge of the ward. “We can monitor babies closely and respond quickly when something changes.”The demand is high. Most days, all the beds are occupied by newborns. Doctors and nurses move steadily from one room to the next, checking vital signs, adjusting oxygen levels, and soothing restless babies.Outside the glass walls, parents wait, some praying silently, some pressing their hands against the window, searching for a glimpse of their child. Inside, the sound of beeping monitors, soft cries, and calm footsteps of health workers fills the room. Strengthening the systemThanks to the support from the World Bank, UNICEF has been able to train health workers, provide their salaries, upgrade services and renovate infrastructure, improve data systems and essential supplies – from diagnostic machines to clean drinking water system that ensure good health and safety in Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital.These investments help hospitals remain ready around the clock to deliver maternal and newborn care, immunization, nutrition counseling, and emergency services for both host communities and refugee populations.For families like Misnahar’s, these systems come together at the most critical moment – when a newborn needs immediate care for survival. For the doctors and nurses, each baby who leaves the hospital healthier and stronger is a reminder of why they do this work.“When a baby recovers and goes home healthy, we celebrate together,” says Dr. Imtiaz. “Those moments give us strength to keep going.”As for Misnahar, it means something simpler. A chance to watch her son grow and thrive.

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Press Release

08 April 2026

Bangladesh Launches International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 to close the gender gaps in Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture officially launched the national activities for the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 (IYWF 2026) during the Interagency Coordination Committee (IACC) meeting held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) on 5th April 2026.Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative brought together key partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) along with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), UN Women and other relevant stakeholders. The launch reflects a shared commitment to elevating women farmers as leaders in food security, climate resilience, and agricultural transformation across Bangladesh.The event was officially inaugurated by Honorable Rafiqul I Mohamed, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Chair of the IACC, along with Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh and IACC Co-Chair. The ceremony marked the commencement of year-long activities aimed at raising awareness, empowering, and investing in women farmers while strengthening their leadership in building resilient and food-secure communities.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to raise awareness and promote action to close the gender gaps and improve farming, women’s access to resources and services, and support women’s leadership in agrifood systems, recognizing their critical contributions to sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation. The global observance underscores the need for inclusive policies, equitable access to resources, and stronger recognition of women farmers’ roles. In addition to the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and the FAO Representative; the event was attended by representatives from key ministries including Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Food, UN agencies including IFAD, UNDP, UN Women, WFP; development partners, representatives from diplomatic communities and international partners including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, United States Department of Agriculture, Asian Development Bank, International Rice Research Institute, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), civil society organizations, leaders from farmers associations like Sara Bangla Krishak Society.Speaking at the event, Rafiqul I Mohamed,Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, stated:“This is not just a year of celebration; it is a year of action. It is a call to acknowledge, invest in, and stand beside the millions of women who feed our nation every day. It is also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of young women to see agriculture not just as labour, but as a pathway to entrepreneurship, dignity, and leadership.”He added, “Let us work together government, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to make 2026 a transformative year for women farmers in Bangladesh.” In his remarks, Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment:“FAO, together with the other UN’s Rome-Based Agencies,IFAD and WFP and our valued development partners, stands fully ready to support the Government of Bangladesh in making this International Year meaningful and impactful. FAO will be implementing innovative initiatives like women led green micro-enterprise incubator” and will galvanize strong investment programs that will empower smallholder women farmers for lasting benefits to rural communities.”Rita Bramma, President of the Sara Bangla Krishak Society, (a leading farmer’s organization in Bangladesh), welcomed the initiatives and commitments by various organizations. She said, “The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 initiatives will support women like me through better access to investment, skills, and opportunities, helping us build stronger, more resilient farming communities.”FAO Bangladesh will continue working alongside the Government and relevant stakeholders to build a resilient and more inclusive agricultural future, guided by FAO’s vision of the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life,leaving no one behind. As part of its support, FAO outlined several key initiatives under IYWF 2026:Pilot “GreenRoots Farm Lab for Farming Women” in the southern region, aimed at greening women-led micro-enterprises with potential for future scale-up.Agricultural Women Investment Forum aligned with the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative.“Farming Women Conference (Nari Krishak Shommilon)” in the northern region, in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Department of Fisheries (DoF), and development partners, under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The launch of IYWF 2026 marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to recognize and strengthen the role of women farmers, ensuring their contributions are central to achieving sustainable development goals and national food security. For media inquiries and further information:Naila Fahmin RashaCommunication Specialistnaila.rasha@fao.org About FAO Bangladesh:https://www.facebook.com/FAOBangladeshhttps://www.fao.org/bangladesh/en/FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacifichttp://www.fao.org/asiapacific

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Press Release

06 April 2026

DHAKA, April 5, 2026 Bangladesh launches emergency measles-rubella campaign with UNICEF, WHO and Gavi to protect over 1.2 million children in 30 upazilas

DHAKA, April 5, 2026 —The Government of Bangladesh, with support from UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is launching an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign to protect more than 1.2 million children aged 6 months to 5 years across 30 upazilas in 18 high-risk districts, with a phased expansion and gradual scaling up to additional districts and City Corporation areas nationwide.“Due to the current outbreak of measles in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken swift and effective measures. I would like to express my sincere thanks to UNICEF Representative Ms. Rana Flowers for providing the necessary technical support and ensuring the rapid supply of vaccines for the successful implementation of this large-scale campaign. On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Gavi and the World Health Organization,” said Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain.The campaign is prioritizing children who have missed routine immunization and are most vulnerable to severe illness and complications. In Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, efforts will be intensified to ensure high coverage in densely populated and high-risk settings.Without a rapid scale-up of vaccination and response measures, transmission is likely to continue expanding, placing further strain on health services and increasing the risk of severe health outcomes among children. The campaign complements ongoing routine immunization efforts and forms part of a broader strategy to restore immunization coverage, strengthen health systems, and build resilience against future resurgences.“Vaccines are foundational to child survival. UNICEF is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in measles cases across Bangladesh, putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk. This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. “We extend our deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones and offer our support to the Government of Bangladesh for renewed efforts building on this emergency campaign. With coordinated action, this resurgence can be contained. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and partners to reach every child, close immunity gaps, and protect Bangladesh’s children from this preventable disease.”Thanks to donors, especially Gavi, UNICEF is supporting vaccine procurement and delivery, strengthening cold chain systems, and leading risk communication and community engagement to ensure caregivers are informed and motivated to vaccinate their children. UNICEF is also working closely with frontline health workers and partners to reach children in remote, underserved, and high-burden areas.“WHO commends the Government of Bangladesh for its decisive and timely action,” said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh. “By targeting children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas, followed by nation-wide scale-up, this campaign will help prevent further tragic loss of young lives and close the immunity gaps driving the outbreak. The measles–rubella vaccine is safe, effective and has protected billions of children worldwide – it is our strongest defence against this fast-spreading disease.“WHO urges all parents and caregivers to bring their children to the nearest vaccination centre and remains committed to supporting the Government and partners to safeguard the health of every child across Bangladesh”, he added."The loss of children’s lives in this outbreak is a tragic reminder that measles can quickly turn deadly when immunity gaps persist. Together with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, WHO and UNICEF, Gavi is supporting Bangladesh to roll out measles rubella vaccines already in the country. It is urgent that we work together as effectively as possible to bring the current situation under control," said Dirk Gehl, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Senior Country Manager for Bangladesh.Bangladesh has a strong history of high immunization coverage, but even small disruptions can lead to the gradual accumulation of immunity gaps over time. Resurgences like the current one are typically the result of these accumulated gaps rather than a single factor. As the lead agency for vaccine procurement, UNICEF is working closely with the Government to ensure timely access to quality-assured vaccines and to expedite supply in response to increased demand.Health facilities in high-burden areas are already facing overcrowding, limited isolation capacity, and gaps in referral and treatment, increasing the risk of transmission and complications among children. In Cox’s Bazar, these challenges are further compounded by high population density and mobility, making rapid vaccination even more critical.Since 2007, Gavi has invested more than US$2.2 billion (including US$1.1 billion in the last five years alone) to support measles and measles-rubella immunization through routine programmes, preventive campaigns and outbreak response across 57 lower income countries, reaching over 1.3 billion children. In 2024, Gavi backed one of the largest pushes against measles, supporting 24 countries to roll out catch-up and follow-up campaigns reaching more than 62 million children, alongside outbreak response in five countries, vaccinating up to 6.8 million children. Under the Gavi Leap reform agenda, the Alliance will from 2026 to 2030 sharpen its focus on securing vaccine supply, providing predictable funding for outbreak response, and supporting country led efforts to close immunity gaps at scale.UNICEF and WHO, together with partners, continue to call for sustained investment in immunization and child health services to ensure that all children in Bangladesh are protected, today and in the future.###

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Press Release

06 April 2026

UNFPA welcomes Bangladesh’s adoption of the Health National Adaptation Plan to Safeguard Health in a Changing Climate

UNFPA in Bangladesh welcomes the Government of Bangladesh’s adoption of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) 2026–2031, a landmark step toward building a climate-resilient, inclusive low carbon and sustainable health system. The Plan was formally launched today at a national dissemination workshop in Dhaka, bringing together government leaders, development partners, UN agencies, academia and civil society.The HNAP provides a strategic framework to address the growing health risks posed by climate change, including rising temperatures, floods, cyclones and shifting disease patterns. It outlines strategies and priority actions to strengthen health system preparedness and resilience to ensure continuity of essential services, and better protect vulnerable populations from climate-related health impacts.UNFPA is proud to have supported the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the development of the HNAP, in close partnership with the World Health Organization, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, and the Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry along with other partners. The Plan also benefited from the generous support of the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Sweden, whose commitment has been instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s climate and health agenda.Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with increasing exposure to extreme weather events and climate-sensitive diseases. Climate shocks limit access to sexual and reproductive health services, increase maternal health risks, and heighten exposure to gender-based violence, making climate-resilient health systems not only a necessity but a matter of rights and equity.“The adoption of the Health National Adaptation Plan marks a critical milestone for Bangladesh. Climate change is a public health crisis, affecting women and girls the most,” said Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh. “This Plan provides a clear pathway to ensure that even in the face of climate shocks, women can give birth safely, women and girls are protected from gender-based violence, young people can access essential services, and communities can rely on resilient, responsive health systems.”The HNAP aligns with Bangladesh’s broader National Adaptation Plan and global commitments, and emphasizes coordinated, multi-sectoral action to reduce the health burden of climate change while strengthening preparedness and response systems. Its successful implementation will be key to safeguarding the health, dignity and future of millions of people in Bangladesh.Media inquiriesUNFPA BangladeshGulalek Soltanova, Chief of Communication+8801332112579soltanova@unfpa.org

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Press Release

06 April 2026

Australia contributes AUD 16.5 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh calendar_today

The Government of Australia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today reaffirmed their partnership to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh through a new AUD 16.5 million multi-year funding agreement for 2026–2028. The new agreement will help sustain critical sexual and reproductive health services, gender-based violence prevention and response, and adolescent and youth services for some of the most vulnerable women, girls and families in Cox’s Bazar.This will be UNFPA’s third multi-year flexible funding agreement with Australia reaffirming Australia’s steadfast partnership and continued commitment to protecting the lives, dignity and rights of Rohingya refugees and host communities.Australia’s support comes at a critical time. Currently, over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees live in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, alongside 568,000 people in host communities who also need humanitarian assistance. Women and girls continue to face heightened risks of gender-based violence, child marriage and inadequate access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, while insecurity, climate-related disasters and shrinking global humanitarian funding compound already severe vulnerabilities.“Australia is proud to work with UNFPA. This multi-year investment reflects our commitment to predictable, flexible humanitarian funding that saves lives, protects women and girls, and helps communities withstand the growing pressures of displacement, insecurity and climate-related shocks,” said Susan Ryle, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh.UNFPA plays a leading role in the Rohingya humanitarian response. Through its network of reproductive health facilities, women-friendly spaces and youth centres, UNFPA helps ensure that women and girls can safely access emergency obstetric care, midwifery services, psychosocial support, clinical management of rape, voluntary and right-based family planning, dignity kits, and empowerment opportunities.With Australia’s previous support, UNFPA has reached around 340,000 Rohingya and host community women and girls in the last three years, including over 7,500 persons with disabilities, and contributed to reduction in maternal deaths in the Rohingya camps. “The Government of Australia’s contribution is a timely and strategic investment in the Rohingya humanitarian response. Flexible, multi-year funding is indispensable in a crisis of this scale and complexity because it allows UNFPA and partners to sustain life-saving services, adapt to changing needs, and protect the health, safety and dignity of women and girls who cannot afford interruptions in care,” said Catherine Breen-Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh. “Australia’s partnership is helping ensure that no woman gives birth without support, no survivor is left without services, and no adolescent is forgotten. We are deeply grateful for this support,” she added. The new agreement aligns with the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian response and subsequent response plans, as well as the Australia-Bangladesh Development Partnership Plan 2025–2030, and broader humanitarian commitments. Media inquiries Australian High Commission in Bangladesh Media ManagerAhc.Dhaka@dfat.gov.au UNFPA Bangladesh Gulalek Soltanova, Chief of Communication +8801332112579 soltanova@unfpa.org

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Press Release

02 April 2026

WFP Introduces Needs Based Food Assistance Approach for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Dhaka – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has begun implementing its Targeting and Prioritization Exercise (TPE) for monthly food assistance across the Rohingya refugee camps, marking an important transition toward needs-based support for nearly 1.2 million refugees living in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.The TPE analysis found that while all Rohingya refugees are food insecure, levels of food insecurity vary across households. Under the new approach, food assistance is aligned with household‑level food security needs. Extremely food-insecure households will continue to receive USD 12 per person per month in Cox’s Bazar (USD 13 in Bhasan Char, reflecting higher market costs). Highly food-insecure households will receive USD 10 (USD 11 in Bhasan Char), and food-insecure households will receive USD 7 (USD 8 in Bhasan Char). Even at the lowest transfer value, assistance remains sufficient to meet minimum food needs, based on the food‑gap analysis.This approach reflects global best practice for protracted humanitarian crises. Families facing the greatest barriers to meeting basic food needs – including child‑headed households, women- and elderly‑headed households without an able‑bodied adult, and households with persons with disabilities – continue to receive the highest level of support.“This alignment reflects our continued commitment to the entire Rohingya community. We will still provide food assistance to everyone in the camps, but will target the highest levels of support to those who need it most. WFP’s food‑gap analysis shows us that everyone will still be able to meet their minimum food needs,” said Simone Parchment, WFP Country Director a.i.While not driven by funding considerations, the TPE supports a more effective, equitable, and proportionate allocation of food assistance, aligned with humanitarian food requirements. This approach contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis, particularly in a context of global funding constraints that require careful prioritization of lifesaving assistance.During the TPE, WFP consulted Rohingya communities to understand their perspectives on food security needs, which were then incorporated in the analysis. Community-level sensitizations have been ongoing since 1 March to facilitate understanding and acceptance.With the TPE, and thanks to recent United States contributions through the OCHA‑managed Bangladesh Humanitarian Fund (BHF), as well as continued support from the European Union, Australia, and other generous donors, WFP will be able to sustain uninterrupted food assistance for the Rohingya population through November 2026.In addition to providing monthly food assistance to the entire Rohingya population, including close to 150,000 new arrivals since 2024 fleeing intensified conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State – WFP delivers essential nutrition support for children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women, school feeding programmes, and resilience and disaster‑preparedness activities to help families meet essential needs while strengthening community capacity. Host‑community smallholder farmers also receive resilience support, gaining stronger linkages with local markets as well as with WFP’s food assistance supply chains for the Rohingya response.“WFP is deeply grateful for the steadfast support of all our partners. It is because of their solidarity and generosity that our lifesaving assistance will have no interruptions in the coming months. However, sustained support remains essential,” added Parchment. “Until a lasting solution can be found, the Rohingya need our continued support to save lives and safeguard dignity and stability.”*****About WFP: The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on X @wfp_bangladesh, Facebook @WFPinBangladesh, Instagram @wfp_bangladesh For more information please contact: Kun Li, WFP BangladeshMobile : +880 1322846137Email: kun.li@wfp.org

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