UNICEF urges Bangladesh child-marriage prevention and education investment
After a three-day visit, UNICEF's chief called for stronger support for girls, Rohingya children and host communities.
What the record says
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called on Bangladesh and international partners to invest in children's education, health and protection after visiting Dhaka and Cox's Bazar. The October 20 statement urges action to keep girls in school, prevent child marriage and protect learning for Rohingya refugee and host-community children. UNICEF cites the 2025 Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which found 47.2 percent of women ages 20–24 were married before 18.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read UNICEF's statement and cited survey context for its findings and policy requests.
Limits and what is not established
The figure concerns women ages 20–24 surveyed in 2025, not all girls currently in Bangladesh. The statement is an appeal and account of a visit, not proof that promised spending has occurred.
Sources checked October 21, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.