Dhaka:Bangladesh has called for a strengthened, results-focused partnership with UNICEF to improve maternal and child health, education, empowerment of adolescent girls, child protection, and climate resilience initiatives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam conveyed this expectation during discussions with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. The dialogue emphasized the longstanding cooperation between Bangladesh and UNICEF in promoting the welfare of women and children.
The state minister expressed gratitude for UNICEF's contributions since Bangladesh's independence and reaffirmed the government's dedication to creating an inclusive society that provides dignity, equal opportunities, and essential services for women and children. She highlighted initiatives such as the Family Card and Farmers' Card, which offer financial assistance to female-headed households, and detailed measures like school feeding programs, free textbooks, and education for female students up to the undergraduate level.
Shama noted Bangladesh's progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, mentioning the near doubling of the health budget to enhance healthcare services. She also emphasized the government's commitment to improving education quality and increasing investment to five percent of GDP.
Addressing child marriage, Shama called for tackling underlying socioeconomic issues such as poverty, social norms, school dropout rates, and limited opportunities for girls. Other discussions covered the vulnerabilities from climate change, violence against women including online abuse, and juvenile delinquency. She mentioned a recent meeting with Meta officials in New York about establishing a local office in Bangladesh for quicker complaint resolutions and government measures to address juvenile delinquency.
The state minister also valued UNICEF's aid for Rohingya children in education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection. Executive Director Russell acknowledged Bangladesh's achievements in reducing child mortality, stunting, improving school attendance and birth registration, and expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, assuring continued support from UNICEF.
UNICEF Country Representative Gillian Mellsop, Deputy Representative Emmanuelle Abrioux, and Child Protection Specialist Shabnaaz Zahereen were part of Russell's delegation, while Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Director General Kazi Ehsanul Haque accompanied the state minister.