Bangladesh is witnessing a disturbing surge in child labour, with thousands of minors forced into hazardous jobs as toxic lead exposure reaches perilous levels among young children.
 The preliminary findings of the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2025, released on Sunday by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in partnership with UNICEF, revealed this alarming trend.
The nationwide survey, covering nearly 63,000 households and 199 indicators, shows that 1.2 million more children are now trapped in child labour compared to 2019.
Child labour has risen from 6.8% to 9.2% among children aged 5-17, pushing millions into exploitation and long-term harm.
The report shows that about 38% of children aged 12-59 months and 8% of pregnant women now have blood lead levels exceeding safe limits.
According to the report, Dhaka bears the heaviest burden, with 65% of children affected.
UNICEF warns that lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage, putting children from both affluent and low-income families at risk.
UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers said, “This survey highlights both progress and escalating challenges.”
“Declines in child marriage and child mortality show what’s possible. But the rise in child labour, toxic lead exposure, worsening malnutrition, and soaring C-section rates demand urgent, targeted action,” said the UNICEF representative in Bangladesh. Wasting has risen from 9.8% to 12.9%, maternal anaemia remains at 52.8%, and adolescent births have increased to 92 per 1,000 girls, said the report.
The findings also reveal that early antenatal care remains out of reach for most women, with only 46% receiving care within the first four months of pregnancy.
Child protection indicators are equally troubling, as 47% of girls are still married before the age of 18 despite slight improvements, it said.
The survey found 86% of children experience violent discipline, and only 47% of children under five have a birth certificate, leaving many without basic legal identity.
According to the survey, primary enrolment stands at 80%, but attendance falls sharply in secondary grades; 6–7% of children remain out of school and much complete primary education without mastering basic skills.
UNICEF and BBS emphasised that investing in child protection, health, and nutrition delivers high returns, with every dollar generating ninefold social and economic benefits.
Officials stressed that the MICS 2025 data must now guide policy reforms to ensure no child is left behind.