A new study revealed that 9.2% of children and adolescents in Bangladesh between the ages of 5 and 17 work. According to the Argentine News Agency (NA), the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, published the report on Sunday. This is the most comprehensive study on childhood and women's status in the country. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Information Division of Bangladesh, stated that the study is more relevant than ever due to its expanded scope, which includes new modules such as anemia tests and assessments of heavy metal exposure in pregnant women and young children. The study shows that maternal anemia remains high at 52.8%, and the adolescent birth rate increased from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve maternal and child nutrition, promote breastfeeding, and expand health services. The report comes at a critical time for Bangladesh and reflects both the progress and persistent challenges, said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh.
