84 per cent of the population - or 129 million people - live on less than $2 a day. This is despite an increase in national income per capita. The number of people living on less than a dollar a day has increased from 36 per cent to 41 per cent in the last three years. The poverty gap is widening.
It is estimated that 5 million people live in slums. Access to basic essential services in such communities is scarce. Many children must work, are denied an education and are vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation.
An estimated 5 million children aged 5 to 14 years are working, many under dangerous conditions. Poverty is the main cause of child labour.
There are virtually no structured early learning opportunities to prepare young children for school.
Net primary school enrolment rates are 93 per cent for boys and 96 per cent for girls.
However, the dropout rate is high. Fewer than half the children who complete primary school reach expected competencies because of poor teaching methods, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of home support.
The adult literacy rate is estimated at 48 per cent.
Dowry and dowry-related violence are widespread and pose serious threats to women. Women are the most likely victims of acid attacks.
Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child-marriage in the world. Nearly two-thirds of adolescent girls are married (10-19 years).
Bangladesh’s maternal mortality rate remains high underpinned by the fact most deliveries take place at home, away from emergency obstetric care and without a skilled attendant.
Anaemia is a severe public health problem for pre-school children and pregnant women. Health facilities suffer from shortages of supplies and qualified staff.
Bangladesh could be facing an HIV epidemic if there is no change to current behaviours. Major prevention efforts are needed to keep the HIV prevalence rate low.
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