The Government expands social service workforce by 40 per cent, supported by UNICEF, to strengthen child protection services in Bangladesh

DHAKA, 14 March 2024 - The Government of Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, has hired more than 1,200 social workers in child protection services. This notable initiative underscores the importance of ensuring the welfare of children and families across the nation. 

As a first step towards their integration in the Child Protection Social Services, today the Department of Social Services (DSS) and UNICEF jointly completed a 3-day long orientation Training of Trainers (ToT) in Dhaka for the social workers.  

This program is designed to equip a carefully chosen group of social workers with the knowledge and skills needed to introduce new recruits in Bangladesh to the field. Additionally, it will enhance their ability to offer essential services in critical areas such as child protection, support for families, emergency response, and the implementation of child rights policies. The goal of this initiative is to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided and broadening the availability of protective services delivered by social workers. 

"The Government of Bangladesh, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to safeguarding the children of Bangladesh from harm. The recruitment of the new batch of social workers is a testament to our commitment towards enhancing the nation's child protection system," said Dr. Dipu Moni, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare. "We appreciate UNICEF's commitment to support the government’s efforts, enhancing service providers' capacity, and ensuring every child receives the care and protection they deserve," she added.  

"Children are the future; protecting them is critical to creating a prosperous nation. The European Union welcomes the commitment of the Government of Bangladesh to invest in child protection by boosting the social services workforce by 40%. We have been working in the social services field with the Government and likeminded partners over the past 20 years, and we are proud to see the impact of our joint efforts", says the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley. 

“It is important to increase the number of social workers in child protection, but it is equally important to equip them with the right information and knowledge, as they have a critical role to offer essential care and support to those experiencing violence,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. 

Despite the recruitment of new social workers, challenges persist, including the prevalence of child labor, inadequate birth registration, children in institutional care and lacking family support, and high rates of child marriage. UNICEF emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues through collaborative efforts among the government, civil society, and international partners.  

Additionally, there is a need for ongoing investment in human resources and the development of specialized training programs to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable children and families. 

UNICEF calls on the government to prioritize the further expansion and empowerment of the child protection workforce to effectively support the country's vulnerable child population. Together with the European Union and other stakeholders, UNICEF remains committed to building a comprehensive national child protection system that ensures the rights and well-being of every child in Bangladesh. 

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For more information please contact:

Farjana Sultana, UNICEF Bangladesh, fasultana@unicef.org 

Faria Selim, UNICEF Bangladesh, fselim@unicef.org