A Critical Week in Bangladesh: Advancing Our Collective Mission for a Lead-Free Future

By Abdullah Fadil, Director, PLF Secretariat

Last month, I had the privilege of spending five deeply impactful days in Dhaka, engaging with government leaders, civil society organizations, international partners, and the private sector—all united by a shared commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s children from the devastating effects of lead poisoning.

The week began with the launch of the MICS 2025 preliminary findings, supported by UNICEF Bangladesh and partners in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The inclusion of blood lead level testing for 10,000 children and 2,000 pregnant mothers represents a global best practice in national surveillance. The results, however, were sobering: nearly 4 in 10 young children and 8% of pregnant mothers in Bangladesh have elevated lead levels. In Dhaka, that number rises to almost 65% of children. These data are a wake-up call—and a powerful catalyst for action. I was pleased to join a panel conversation where we discussed what it would take to achieve a lead-free Bangladesh with national efforts and global support and how the PLF could support this effort.

Throughout the week, I met with an extraordinary range of partners working tirelessly to confront this crisis. Discussions with the World Bank’s Environment team explored opportunities to align financing and strengthen pollution management. My meeting with the WHO country office reinforced the importance of harmonized surveillance systems and health-sector leadership. A courtesy call with the Honorable Health Advisor underscored the Government’s clear resolve to build a national lead surveillance and child health screening program. I also held productive discussions with the Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, which plays a central role in strengthening regulatory enforcement and supporting safer recycling practices. Their commitment to improving environmental governance will be essential to driving sustainable national progress.

Bangladesh’s private sector is also stepping forward. During my visit to Rahimafrooz Ltd., the country’s largest lead-acid battery manufacturer, we explored how stronger standards, cleaner production practices, and responsible recycling can transform supply chains and reduce harmful exposures. We benefitted from the perspectives of Accumulator Battery Manufacturers & Exporters of Bangladesh, which represents battery manufacturers and exporters. This engagement was made possible through collaboration with Pure Earth, who helped initiate and convene the conversation. Their participation and technical insights enriched the dialogue, reinforcing the importance of multisectoral partnership in achieving safe and transparent recycling systems. 

These conversations were particularly timely, arriving just as new investigative reporting from The Examination and The New York Times revealed how the global trade in recycled lead—driven by demand for cheap batteries—continues to push dangerous, unregulated recycling into low-income countries. The consequences are felt most acutely by the world’s poorest children. 

Our site visits made these realities painfully concrete. Together with ARCED, we visited ULAB recycling sites and informal garages, observing firsthand how unsafe processing practices expose workers, families, and entire neighborhoods to toxic lead dust. A visit with icddr,b to spice markets highlighted additional sources of contamination that threaten children’s health. These interactions underscored what the recent global reporting has made clear: without transparency, supply-chain accountability, and strong enforcement, informal recycling will continue to undermine national health and environmental progress.

Yet what stood out throughout the week was Bangladesh’s strong foundation: committed government leadership, robust data systems, active civil society, and deep technical expertise among partners. Meetings with organizations such as BRAC, ARCED, and icddr,b demonstrated the breadth of local innovation—from safer recycling models to the role of micro-financing to incentivize alternatives to lead acid batteries and promote alternative livelihoods. This combination positions Bangladesh not only to accelerate national progress, but also to become a regional and global champion for lead elimination.

The Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF) was established to support exactly this kind of coordinated effort. As a neutral, multisectoral platform housed within UNICEF, the PLF connects country priorities with global expertise, aligns partners around shared strategies, and elevates national leadership to regional and global arenas.  I am deeply grateful to the UNICEF Country Office in Bangladesh for their generous support, leadership, and hospitality throughout this mission. The PLF benefits immensely from having its Secretariat seated within UNICEF, allowing us to draw on the organization’s extensive global reach, technical expertise, and longstanding relationships with government and partners.

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The findings from MICS 2025 are alarming—but they also offer clarity and direction. Bangladesh has the partnerships, commitment, and momentum needed to show the world that rapid, coordinated, and country-led action is both possible and effective. A lead-free Bangladesh is within reach—and its leadership will help propel global progress toward a safer, healthier future for every child.

The PLF would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the partners and stakeholders that made Abdullah’s visit a success.