Is One-Third of Bangladesh's Youth Suffering from Multidimensional Poverty?
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Synopsis
A staggering 28.9% of children in Bangladesh live in multidimensional poverty, far exceeding the adult rate. This pressing issue calls for immediate action to improve child welfare and future opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- 28.9% of children in Bangladesh live in multidimensional poverty.
- Children are 35% more likely to experience multidimensional poverty compared to adults.
- The MPI offers a holistic view of poverty, focusing on various deprivations.
- Addressing child poverty is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Immediate action is needed in poverty hotspots and rural areas.
Dhaka, July 31 (NationPress) Nearly 30% of Bangladesh's children (28.9 percent) are caught in the cycle of multidimensional poverty, a rate that is notably higher than that of adults at 21.44 percent. This indicates that children are facing the brunt of the entrenched poverty issues in the nation.
The recent Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report reveals that over 39 million individuals in Bangladesh are trapped in multidimensional poverty.
This report highlights the critical need to tackle child-specific deprivations in areas such as health, education, and living conditions that continue to hinder children’s rights and their future prospects.
The MPI offers a detailed and holistic method to evaluate poverty by looking beyond income alone. It considers various overlapping deprivations experienced by children, including poor health, lack of education, insufficient nutrition, unsafe living environments, and inadequate access to essential services.
Even with advancements in reducing monetary poverty and stunting, the challenge of multidimensional child poverty persists in Bangladesh, where children are 35% more likely to face multidimensional poverty than adults.
“Addressing the various dimensions of poverty effectively can prevent child poverty for both current and future generations. The journey begins with reliable data on the specific areas where children face deprivations,” stated Rana Flowers, the UNICEF representative in Bangladesh.
“It’s essential to investigate each indicator deeply to understand its impact on the overall multidimensional poverty index,” mentioned Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor.
To combat multidimensional child poverty successfully, UNICEF urges Bangladesh's interim and future governments, along with partners, to leverage MPI data for action, develop equitable policies, target investments, and tackle vital deprivations, including housing, Internet access, sanitation, and necessary household assets. A focused approach is needed in poverty hotspots and rural regions, particularly in areas concerning water, sanitation, hygiene, electricity, clean cooking fuel, and quality education.
Point of View
It is clear that the alarming rates of multidimensional poverty among children in Bangladesh reflect systemic issues that demand urgent attention. Addressing these challenges is not merely a policy choice but a moral imperative that must involve all levels of society.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multidimensional poverty?
Multidimensional poverty refers to a condition where individuals experience multiple deprivations across various aspects of life, including health, education, and living standards.
How many children in Bangladesh live in multidimensional poverty?
Approximately 28.9% of children in Bangladesh are currently living in multidimensional poverty, significantly higher than the adult rate.
What actions are being taken to address child poverty in Bangladesh?
UNICEF and various governmental bodies are advocating for policies that focus on improving health, education, and essential services for children living in poverty.
Why is child poverty a significant issue?
Child poverty is critical as it affects children’s rights, development, and future opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty for generations.
What is the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?
The MPI is a comprehensive measure that goes beyond income, assessing overlapping deprivations that individuals face in areas like health, education, and living conditions.
