Dhaka: A new report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, has revealed that 9.2 percent of children in Bangladesh are part of the labor force. This report, released on Sunday, stands as the most comprehensive survey conducted on children and women in the country.

According to Lao News Agency, the survey’s relevance is underscored by its expanded scope, which now includes new modules such as anaemia testing and assessments of heavy metal exposure among pregnant women and young children. Aleya Akter, the secretary of Bangladesh’s Statistics and Informatics Division, emphasized the importance of these new additions, highlighting their timeliness and necessity.

The survey also disclosed that maternal anemia remains a significant health challenge, affecting 52.8 percent of mothers. Additionally, the adolescent birth rate has increased from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls, signaling a worrying trend in adolescent health and well-being. These statistics point to an urgent need for enhanced maternal and child nutrition, increased breastfeeding practices, and expanded health services across the nation.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF’s representative in Bangladesh, noted that the report highlights both the progress made and the challenges that persist within the country. The findings come at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, reflecting the ongoing efforts needed to address health and labor issues affecting children and women.