Press Releases
Press releases are shown in date order, starting with the most recent:
The Government of Bangladesh and UNICEF assess progress at mid-term of the Country Programme
The Government of Bangladesh and UNICEF today held the Mid-Term Review of the Country Programme of Cooperation for Bangladeshi Children and Women which covers the five-year period from 2006 to 2010. The overall aim of the programme is the progressive ...
Bangladesh promotes inclusive education on Meena Day
Today Bangladesh is celebrating Meena Day under the theme of ‘Inclusive Education – Quality Education to end exclusion’. Bangladesh has recorded remarkable successes in increasing national rates of school enrollment over the past decade...
Channel I Wins International Children’s Broadcating Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Regional Award
Dhaka, 21 September 2008: UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have jointly announced the winners of the 2008 International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Regional Awards. Channel I from Bangladesh won ...
Supporting mothers to breastfeed will improve children’s chances of survival, says UNICEF
On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week (1 to 7 August), UNICEF, along with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is recommending the provision of increased professional and informal support for...
Twenty Four health facilities get award for excellence in Emergency Obstetric Care services
A total of 24 health facilities from six divisions under the Directorate General of Health Services – one Upazilla Health Complex and one District Hospital in each division – received best performing award for their excellence in imparting EmOC
Call to prioritize children in the national birth registration campaign
Today, for the second time, Bangladesh observed national Birth Registration Day, calling for the prioritization of children in the national birth registration campaign and for a systematic registration of children at birth.
National launch of the State of the World Children 08
Strategies that can help reduce the number of children who die before their fifth birthday were highlighted today at the national launch of UNICEF’s flagship report - The State of the World’s Children 2008: Child Survival – in Dhaka
Increase in Australian Aid to Bangladesh to benefit women and children
Australia is expanding its aid to Bangladesh with a four year BDT 520 crore donation to lift the extreme poor out of poverty and improve the health of women and children.
Bangladesh conducts Vitamin A supplementation campaign for 19 million children
Bangladesh will conduct a National Vitamin A Plus Campaign. About 19 million children aged 1 to 5 years will be reached with life-saving Vitamin A capsules and 17 million children aged 2 to 5 years will receive deworming tablets.
Policy-makers gather to discuss social protection strategies in South Asia
Policy-makers from eight countries of South Asia gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to examine the role that Social Protection could play in reducing poverty and inequalities in the region during a policy-makers’ Symposium on Social Protection.
UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia calls on the Foreign Affairs and Finance Advisers
Mr. Daniel Toole, UNICEF’s newly appointed Regional Director for South Asia, on his first visit to Bangladesh today called on Mr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs and Mr. A B Mirza M Azizul Islam, Adviser for Planning and Finance.
Bangladesh launches the International Year of Sanitation: Speakers call for improved hygiene practices
The Government of Bangladesh launched the International Year of Sanitation country programme as part of the celebrations for World Water Day 2008. The launch was attended by civil society groups and development partners...
Injury a leading killer of children in Asia: Groundbreaking research highlights need for injury prevention
Children in Asia are at great risk of dying from injuries such as drowning and road accidents. Surveys from Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reveal that injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children...
Sweden to support UNICEF in protection and education of Sidr-affected children
Sweden has made a contribution of 24.3 million Swedish Kronor (approximately US$ 3.5 million) to UNICEF through the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) to assist the child survivors of November 15 cyclone Sidr.
Twenty two writers and producers win Meena Media Award 2007 for outstanding work in Children’s Media
The Meena Media Awards 2007 were distributed among the 22 winning recipients Tuesday in the city amid hopes of further advancing children’s causes in the country’s ever-expansive media landscape.
UNICEF is mobilizing US$20 million for immediate and longer term support to Cyclone affected children and women
UNICEF is substantially increasing support to children and women in the districts worst affected by the recent Cyclone Sidr.
Sixteenth NIDs to provide polio vaccine, Vitamin A and deworming doses to more than 22m children
Bangladesh will conduct the first round of 16th National Immunization Days (NIDs) on Saturday, 27 October, during which more than 22 million children up to 5 years of age will be administered polio vaccines and Vitamin A capsules.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors continue to support women and children
Three of Bangladesh’s top sporting idols – national cricket captain Mohammad Ashraful, former national skipper Habibul Bashar, and Guinness Book of Records-famed table tennis star Zobera Rahman Linu – recently renewed their contracts as UNICEF National Go
Children use Meena Day to advocate birth registration
Children and adolescents assembled today at different parts of the city to celebrate Meena Day with renewed commitment of ensuring birth registration for all children. They expressed their collective commitment through recitation of poems, drama and diffe
Meena Day 2007 Promotes Birth Registration for All
The rights of children will get a boost today as Meena Day is celebrated across the country. Meena Day is commemorated every year with the aim of highlighting issues that are important to children while also recognizing the importance of children.
Displaced children face rejection from their community and family
Children and women rescued from trafficking or hazardous jobs are facing huge challenges integrating with their families and societies due to the lack of a supportive environment.
National consultation held to shape final CRC state party reports
The final round of national consultation on the UN Convention on Rights of the Child (CRC) 3rd and 4th State Party report was held in the city today.
Bangladesh MICS 2006: Iodized salt, breastfeeding, immunization coverage, primary school attendance on the rise
About four in 10 infants aged 0-5 months are exclusively breastfed; 8 out of 10 households consume iodized salt; about 8 in 10 primary school age children attend school; and about 9 in 10 children aged 12-23 months are protected against measles through im
A mix of entertainment and information promotes girls’ education in Bangladesh
“Alo Amar Alo”, a 26-episode television drama serial that promotes girls’ education in Bangladesh, was launched on July 11, 2007. 'Alo Amar Alo', centers around a girl named ‘Alo’ who stops going to school when she completes Class-V. Throughout 26 episode
Bangladesh declares first ever national Birth Registration Day
The Government of Bangladesh has officially declared today 3 July 2007 as Birth Registration Day to highlight the importance of birth registration for every child and adult in the country. One of the main pillars of today’s celebration is to reinforce the
$31 million donation will help Bangladesh to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths
The health and well being of mothers and newborns has received a significant boost with UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the European Commission (EC) support worth $31.2 million. The funding will support Bangladesh Government’s “Acce
June 5, 2007 : Bangladesh water and sanitation sector leads the way for Ghana mission
A high level government learning mission from Ghana has ended successfully after 10 days in Bangladesh. The 11 member mission from the West African country spent more than a week viewing best practices in the water and sanitation sector.
April 29, 2007 : Adolescent Empowerment project changes lives of thousands
Thousands of adolescents across the country have been equipped with knowledge on social issues and life skills-based education through the “Kishori Abhijan” project supported by UNICEF.
April 12, 2007 : UNICEF invites participation in Meena Media Award 2007.
Meena Media Award was introduced in 2005 by UNICEF to recognize outstanding work on Child Rights in print and broadcast media to improve the lives of children in Bangladesh. UNICEF-Bangladesh invites participation in Meena Media Award 2007.
March 27, 2007: Netherlands and UNICEF sign agreement to promote birth registration
The Netherlands Minister for Development Co-operation and UNICEF signed an agreement to support the Government of Bangladesh in promoting a sustainable and functional birth registration system.
March 21, 2007: Water and sanitation project launched to benefit 30 million people across Bangladesh
The Sanitation, Hygiene Education and Water Supply in Bangladesh (SHEWA-B) project was formally launched Wednesday to ensure access to improved water supply and sanitation for 30 million people in 34 of the poorest districts across Bangladesh by 2011.
March 07, 2007: ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 to Shine Spotlight on Children and Young People Affected by HIV. Youth-focused HIV Prevention Campaign to Premiere Before Audience of Two Billion.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will team up with UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 to highlight the situation of children and young people living with and affected by HIV.
March 06, 2007: Despite Progress, Girls Subjected to Violence and Discrimination
Violence against women and girls is one of the most extreme forms of inequality, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said today on the occasion of the 51st Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
March 03, 2007: UNICEF photo exhibition on CHT begins at Drik on Sunday
A week-long photography exhibition titled “The Hill Children of Bangladesh” by Mahmud of MAP Photo Agency will kick off at the Drik Gallery at the city’s Dhanmondi area Sunday.
March 02, 2007: More than 22 million children to be immunized against polio across Bangladesh
Bangladesh will immunize more than 22m children under the age of five in order to eradicate the re-emergence of polio. The 1st round of the 15th National Immunization Days will be held on Saturday, March 3rd, while the 2nd round will be on April 8th.
February 18, 2007: Avian Influenza training will benefit 28 million people
A country-wide training program on Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza that will eventually reach 28 million people was launched on Saturday by the honorable adviser for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Major General (Rtd) Dr A S M Matiur Rahman.
January 23, 2007: DFID and UNICEF in partnership with the GoB to improve sanitation and hygiene for 30 million people across Bangladesh
In a simple ceremony held in the city today, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UNICEF signed an agreement to support the Government of Bangladesh in implementing improved sanitation and hygiene programmes
December 11, 2006: Bangladeshi slum girl stands tall in UN General Assembly
Bangladesh takes centre stage around the world this week. One of the country’s most famous men and a young teenage girl from a Dhaka slum address the world from different parts of the globe.
November 23, 2006: New round of immunisation days aims to reach 22 million children
In an effort to eradicate the re-emergence of polio, Bangladesh will immunise 22 million children under the age of five on Saturday. November 25th will be the first round of the 14th National Immunization Days (NIDs). The second round on 23 Dec 2006
October 4, 2006: Bangladesh made impressive progress in sanitation coverage, safe water still a challenge
More than 1.2 billion people have gained access to safe water since 1990, according to Progress for Children: A Report Card on Water and Sanitation, launched today (Wednesday) by UNICEF Bangladesh.
September 27, 2006: Poetry festival on rights of the child held in Dhaka
A poetry festival on Rights of the Child was held today at the city’s Spectra Convention Centre. Organized by UNICEF, the poetry recital was attended by leading intellectuals, academics, journalists, literary personae and representatives of the international community including the European Union. Leading poets of the country recited self composed poems that enthralled the audience.
September 24, 2006: Meena day calls for birth registration for all girls and boys
Meena Day 2006 was celebrated in Dhaka and around the country yesterday. Large number of children and adolescents dressed up as Meena and participated in various activities and events in spite of the heavy downpour that stalled life in the city.
September 20, 2006: National communication strategy on avian and human influenza to strengthen preparedness
A two day workshop held in the city on 18-19 September developed the framework for a National Communication Strategy and Action Plan for the prevention of Avian and Human Influenza in Bangladesh.
September 18, 2006: Learning opportunities for urban working children brighten their livelihood prospects
A joint field visit by officials of the Embassy of Sweden, the High Commission of Canada, UNICEF and BNFE took place on September 13 and 14 to learning centres and work places of urban working children in Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan areas.
August 4, 2006; New cases of polio prompts further immunization drive in Bangladesh
Only one month after completing the third polio National Immunization Days (NIDs), the Government of Bangladesh has ordered a further three polio NIDs this year in response to at least 10 new cases of polio detected in the country.
August 1, 2006; 45 thousand urban working children have new learning opportunities
More than 45 thousand urban working children are to benefit from new learning centres which opened around the country today. 1830 learning centres were officially opened for business in Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal and Sylhet.
June 21, 2006: Successful Polio immunization drive reaches 96% of Bangladesh Children under 5
Bangladesh has successfully completed three Polio National Immunization Days (NIDs) with 96 per cent of children under five being reached through the three rounds. The NIDs on April 16th, May 13th and June 11th aimed to reach 22 million children under 5
June 8, 2006: NID Combines polio eradication and vitamin A plus for 22 million children
This Sunday June 11 is the final day of the three rounds of National Immunization Days (NIDs) in Bangladesh aiming to immunize 22 million children under the age of five years against polio. The three consecutive NIDs on April 16, May 13 and June 11
June 8, 2006: Five win Meena Media Awards 2006
Two teenagers were among the winners of this year’s Meena Media Awards. The 15 and 17 year old teenagers attended the prize giving ceremony this morning at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in Dhaka.
May 14, 2006: Dhaka sheraton hands over cheque to UNICEF
Mr. Trevor MacDonald, the General Manager of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel today handed over a Cheque for TK. 448,075.91 to Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. The amount has been raised through the ‘Check out for Children’ program.
May 02, 2006: Bangladesh on track to meet MDG target for under-nutrition.
Bangladesh has made considerable progress in improving the nutritional status of children, says Progress for Children: A Report Card on Nutrition, released by UNICEF. If this trend continues, the country is on track to meet MDG 1
April 12, 2006: Bangladesh begins new effort to eradicate polio
Bangladesh will hold the first of three polio National Immunisation Days (NIDs) on April 16th with the aim of immunising 18 million children under the age of five years. The other two NIDs will be held on May 13th and June 11th.
April 2, 2006: UNICEF - WFP Launches Food for Education Project in CHT
WFP and UNICEF have launched the pilot phase of a collaborative initiative ‘Food for Education Project’ in Chittagong Hill Tracts to provide daily snacks to 18,000 children in 933 ‘para’ or ‘community centres in Rangamati, Khagrachari & Bandarban district
March 21, 2006: Bangladesh Girl Highlights Safe Water Issues
World Water Day is celebrated throughout the world on March 22nd and this year’s theme is ‘water and culture’.
March 20, 2006: International observers praise the Bangladesh Measles Vaccination Campaign
The world’s largest Measles Vaccination Campaign has ended in Bangladesh with international observers declaring the campaign a success.
February 27, 2006: UNICEF and Govt of Bangladesh sign their largest ever CPAP
The Government of Bangladesh and UNICEF today signed the joint Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) which provides the roadmap for the UNICEF-supported programme of cooperation 2006 - 2010.
February 17, 2006: Bangladesh prepares for its largest public health campaign
Bangladesh is getting ready to mount the biggest Measles vaccination campaign in the world from 25th February-16th March. An estimated 33.5 million children aged between 9 months and under 10 years will be vaccinated during the 20 day period.
February 8, 2006: Japan and UNICEF strengthen joint support for Bangladesh after successful field visit
A high-level Japan-UNICEF Joint Learning Mission to Bangladesh has ended successfully its three day visit. The aim of the mission was to see good practices of Japan - UNICEF collaboration in Bangladesh and to scale up such collaboration in the country
February 02, 2006: Bangladesh leads the way in Japan-UNICEF Joint Learning Mission
A high level UNICEF-Japan Joint Learning Mission is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on a three day visit from February 5th to 7th. Bangladesh models a number of successful programmes involving Japan-UNICEF cooperation.
The European Commission supports UNICEF in the empowerment of adolescent girls in Bangladesh
The European Commission (EC) signed an agreement with UNICEF Bangladesh to fund a project supporting the empowerment of adolescent girls.The EC will contribute nearly 6m euros, 76% of the total project cost. The project will be implemented by UNICEF.
Vitamin A Plus campaign to reach 18 million children
UNICEF and partners are urging all parents of children aged 1 to 5 throughout Bangladesh to make sure their children receive Vitamin A supplementtation. Vitamin A plus campaign aims to reach 18m children and will also deliver deworming tablet to children.
The State of the World’s Children 2006, Children Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Reach
Abused and Neglected, Millions of Children Have Become Virtually Invisible
Bangladesh Media Leaders reaffirm commitment to wider coverage of HIV/AIDS issues
Dhaka, 27 November 2005: Media leaders from Bangladesh today agreed to give greater space to HIV/AIDS issues so that awareness of the disease is raised throughout the country.
A call to action on Birth Registration
Dhaka, 27th October 2005 – The National Birth Registration Conference held in Dhaka this morning called for a significant push to increase the number of children registered at birth.
Three Sports Stars announced as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors
Dhaka, October 27, 2005: National Cricket Team captain Habibul Bashar, fast bowler Md. Ashraful and 16-times Table Tennis Champion Zobera Rahman Linu were presented as Goodwill Ambassadors for UNICEF Bangladesh at a press conference in the city today.
WORLDWIDE RELEASE OF THE 1971 CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH
Dhaka 25, October 2005: Before LIVE AID and BAND AID, there was George Harrison's concert for Bangladesh.
GLOBAL AIDS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY UNICEF & UNAIDS
DHAKA, October 25, 2005: Every minute of every day a child around the world dies of an AIDS-related illness, or becomes infected with HIV and the time has come to act.
The UNITED NATIONS turns 60 today
Dhaka, 24th October, 2005. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the UNITED NATIONS. On October 24th 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco in the USA to draw up a charter for a world organization to be known as the United Nations.
New UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh
Dhaka, October 6, 2005: Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault today assumes responsibility as the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. Mr. Arsenault brings with him 28 years of experience in the social development sector.
Meena Day 2005 Celebrates the Spirit of Equality between Girls and Boys
Dhaka, September 24, 2005: Meena Day was observed today with colourful celebrations and enthusiasm among children and adolescents.
36 Bangladeshi camel jockeys arrive home
Dhaka, 11th August, 2005: UNICEF is pleased to announce that the first group of Bangladeshi camel jockeys has been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrived safely in Dhaka this morning.
UNICEF tops the charts on Bangladesh TV
Dhaka, 01 August 2005: A UNICEF-funded weekly drama serial has become the highest rating show on state-owned Bangladesh Television with an estimated audience of 10 million people.
Bangladesh Launches Children’s News Agency
A dedicated news agency for children ‘Shishu Prakash’ (Children’s Express) was launched today to enhance both the quality and quantity of child development news in Bangladesh.
2006 Meena Media Award
The annual Meena Media Awards in Bangladesh is an initiative aimed at promoting excellence in media that is about, and for, children.
Seven win UNICEF Meena Media Awards 2005
Seven young media producers were presented with a Meena Media Award by UNICEF Country Representative Morten Giersing
UNICEF assisted ATN documentary receives Emmy Award
A UNICEF-supported television documentary on how children can make spectacular achievement in real life, produced by ATN Bangla, won the special International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Award at the 32nd International Emmy Awards Gala in New York City
Three Million Primary Students Took Part in Essay Competition on Girls’ Education
Nearly three million students of class five -- both boys and girls – from all government, registered non-government and community primary schools of Bangladesh took part in an essay writing competition on Girls’ Education in Bangladesh.
UNICEF- ILO call for ending worst forms of child labour
UNICEF and ILO has called upon government and civil society in Bangladesh to take effective action to end worst forms of child labour.
UNICEF and Cricket in South Asia Unite for Girl’s Education
UNICEF and the Asian Cricket Council have joined hands on one of the biggest development challenges facing South Asia.
UNICEF-AusAID Sign 5.9 Australian Dollar Agreement on Development of Primary Education in Bangladesh
The Government of Australia and UNICEF Bangladesh signed a contribution agreement of Tk. 266 million (5.9 Australian dollar) for the support of primary education in Bangladesh today.
