Plan Bangladesh’s Country Strategic Plan supports disadvantaged children and their families so that they can become active citizens in their communities and society. With a focus on children, we support the evolution of democratic community organisations, advocate for positive social change and help children to become active leaders in their communities.

Key issues affecting children

Although Bangladesh has reduced poverty on average by 1% per annum since 1990, 36% of the population lives on less than US $1 per day.

Child labour is prevalent in the country, as poor families often rely on children to supplement the family income. It is estimated that 34% of children aged 10-14 are engaged in full time work.

For students in Bangladesh, learning is teacher centered and rote learning is the norm. Attendance, retention and literacy rates are low.  Only 17% of adolescent girls are enrolled in secondary school and there are few opportunities for vocational training.

Bangladesh has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world at 380 per 100,000 live births.

Our goals

• Enabling environment: All children, women and men, including marginalised communities, participate fully in decisions that affect their lives.

• Community learning: All children have quality early learning opportunities and primary education through community managed initiatives and a responsive and accountable education system.

• Community health care: All children and mothers have improved health through community managed initiatives and quality health services.

• Family economic security: All children have improved lives and livelihoods, through microfinance initiatives that respond to family needs and other livelihood services and institutions.

Our progress 

Plan and our community partners have reached 3,500,000 people. 

Some of our most successful work has included:

• improving primary health care by involving communities in health care management

• supporting the physical and emotional development of preschool children

• advocating for the birth registration of all children so that they have an official identity, allowing them to claim their rights and participate fully in society

• helping children and youth find their voice and advocate on their own behalf through various initiatives, including a children’s parliament.