Plan International calls for action to prevent child marriage, girls’ dropout

Plan International has called for coordinated efforts to improve the quality of education, prevent child marriage and reduce girls' dropout rates in Bangladesh.

The call came during a meeting between Plan International Chief Executive Officer Reena Ghelani and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj at the Secretariat on 11 November, according to a press release issued by the organisation.

The discussion focused on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, developing children's critical thinking and ensuring safe and child-friendly learning environments.

Bobby Hajjaj said primary education should not be limited to bringing children into classrooms but must ensure quality and effective learning for every child.

Reena said quality education and protection from child marriage were closely linked and essential to ensuring that every girl could exercise her rights and realise her potential.

The meeting also discussed preventing girls from dropping out at the secondary level, ensuring separate toilets and hygienic facilities in schools, and strengthening community preparedness for climate change.

Reena expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the government through joint initiatives and technical support.

As part of her 10-11 November Bangladesh visit, Reena travelled to Cox's Bazar, where she met Rohingya children, young people, families and community volunteers and visited education and child protection programmes.

According to the press release, she joined adolescent girls in literacy and numeracy sessions at a community-based learning facility and spoke with participants in programmes promoting life skills, gender equality and leadership.

She also joined a dialogue with adolescent girls and young women on climate challenges, community preparedness and girls' participation in local decision-making.

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Bangladesh hosts more than 1.2 million Rohingyas, including over 1.17 million in Cox's Bazar, according to UNHCR data for September 2026. More than half of the displaced population are children.

During the visit, Reena also met UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen, Dutch Ambassador Joris Van Bommel and Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle to discuss cooperation on children's rights, education, child protection and climate resilience.

Plan International Asia Pacific Regional Director Ram Kishan accompanied her. Plan International Bangladesh Country Director Kabita Bose and senior ministry officials also attended the meeting with the state minister.