One-Third of Bangladeshi Children Trapped in Multidimensional Poverty, Report Reveals

One-Third of Bangladeshi Children Trapped in Multidimensional Poverty, Report Reveals
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A new national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, released on Thursday, reveals that a staggering one-third of Bangladesh’s children, or 28.9 percent, are living in multidimensional poverty, Clarion India reported. This figure is notably higher than the 21.44 percent rate for adults, underscoring that children are disproportionately affected by poverty in the nation. Overall, the report indicates that more than 39 million people in Bangladesh endure multidimensional poverty.

Multidimensional poverty extends beyond mere income, assessing various overlapping deprivations children face, including poor health, lack of education, inadequate nutrition, unsafe living conditions, and limited access to essential services. Despite strides in reducing monetary poverty and stunting, child poverty remains a significant hurdle, with children 35 percent more susceptible than adults.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, stressed the critical need for accurate data to combat child poverty effectively. UNICEF has urged the Bangladeshi government and its partners to leverage the MPI data to guide policy, target investments, and address key deprivations, particularly in rural and high-poverty areas. Recommended interventions include improvements in housing, internet access, sanitation, access to clean water, electricity, clean cooking fuel, and quality education.