DHAKA, Nov 16, 2025 (BSS) – Almost four out of 10 children have worrisome lead levels in their blood, according to a new survey of BBS and UNICEF.

“New findings reveal that 38% of children aged 12–59 months and nearly 8% of pregnant women have blood lead levels above safe thresholds, with Dhaka (65%) most affected,” it said.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), in partnership with UNICEF and other partners, released the preliminary findings of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025 (MICS 2025), the most comprehensive survey on children and women in Bangladesh, at a programme in the capital today, said a press release of the UNICEF.

Statistics and Informatics Division Secretary Aleya Akter, BBS Director General Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers were present on the occasion, among others.

Based on nearly 63,000 households, MICS 2025 provides vital data to guide policies and programmes, showing progress and persistent challenges affecting children’s health, nutrition, protection, and development. 

It covers 172 standard and 27 SDG indicators, aligned with national priorities and global standards. The survey provides estimates for all divisions, districts, and three city corporations, helping policymakers target inequalities.

Aleya Akter noted that the MICS survey is more relevant than ever, given its expanded scope to include new modules such as anaemia testing and heavy metal exposure assessments among pregnant women and young children.

UNICEF said the lead poisoning threatens brain development, with impact across socio-economic groups; over half of affected children in the richest quintile and 30% in poorer groups.

The survey highlights rising malnutrition: wasting increased from 9.8% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2025. Maternal anemia remains high at 52.8% and the adolescent birth rate rose from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved maternal and child nutrition, breastfeeding, and expanded health services.

 “MICS 2025 comes at a critical time for Bangladesh and is a reflection of both progress and ongoing challenges,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. 

“While declines in child marriage and child mortality show what’s possible, crises like lead poisoning and child labor are depriving millions of children of potential, and rising cesarean rates threaten women’s health. When the rights to survive, thrive, and learn are respected for every child, it can be measured in an economically stronger Bangladesh. UNICEF commits to supporting the Government to turn this data into targeted action and change that leaves no child behind,” said Rana.

The survey showed that child labor now involves 9.2% of children aged 5–17—up from 6.8% in 2019—placing 1.2 million more children at risk. Violence is widespread, with 86% of children subjected to violent discipline recently. 

Child marriage declined from 51.4% in 2019 to 47%, but yet nearly half of girls marry before 18. Also, only 59% of children under five are registered, and 47% hold birth certificates, leaving many without legal identity or access to services.

Investing in child protection yields significant returns—each dollar invested produces ninefold social and economic benefits. Urgent investments are needed to strengthen protection systems, expand social services, and empower adolescents so all children grow up safe and reach their potential.

Health indicators highlight ongoing gaps. Neonatal mortality remains high at 22 per 1,000 live births, accounting for 67% of under-five deaths. Rising C-section rates, now at 75% in deliveries in institutional births, pose health and financial risks. Only 46% of women receive antenatal care within the first four months, emphasizing the need to improve maternal services. Strengthening early maternal care ensures healthier starts for newborns.

Sanitation access has improved to 73%, but safely managed water has fallen to 39.3%, with widespread bacterial contamination. This equates to over 106 million people not having access to safely managed drinking water in Bangladesh. In addition, early half of water sources and over 80% of household samples are contaminated with E. coli. Climate-related hazards impacted 10.2% of water sources last year, highlighting the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

While primary school enrollment remains high at 80%, attendance drops sharply at higher levels. Many children complete primary schooling without mastering basic skills, and about 6–7% of primary age children remain out of school. Innovative approaches are necessary to ensure attendance and learning.