Plan International Chief Executive Officer Reena Ghelani visited Bangladesh on November 10 and 11, 2026, to meet children, young women and communities affected by displacement and climate challenges and discuss children's rights and gender equality. Ram Kishan, Regional Director for Plan International Asia Pacific, accompanied her.
The Rohingya crisis remains one of the world's largest and most protracted displacement crises, following the mass influx from Myanmar in 2017. Continued conflict, insecurity and humanitarian access constraints, particularly in Rakhine State, have increased displacement and protection risks while limiting prospects for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return.
According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Bangladesh hosted more than 1.2 million Rohingyas as of September 2026, including over 1.17 million in Cox's Bazar. Women and girls accounted for approximately 51% of the population, while more than half were children, many of whom have spent most or all of their lives in displacement.
In Cox's Bazar, Ghelani visited education and child protection programs in Rohingya camps, meeting children, adolescents, parents and teaching volunteers.
At a community-based learning facility, she joined adolescent girls in functional literacy and numeracy sessions under Steps to a Bright Tomorrow: Education for Adolescents and Youth in Cox's Bazar, implemented with Jagoroni Chakra Foundation. She also met a Rohingya girl and her family.
Ghelani heard from participants in the Girl Shine sessions and boys involved in the Champions of Change program about education, life skills, gender equality and leadership. She also joined a Girls Talk dialogue with adolescent girls and young women, including Durbar Konnya representatives, under Girls Shaping Climate Solutions: Her Climate, Her Voice, Her Action. Discussions covered climate challenges, household preparedness, community awareness, adaptation and girls' participation in local decision-making.
Recalling her meeting with a Rohingya family, Ghelani said: “I met a nine-year-old girl and her family in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Her family fled Myanmar in 2017, and she was born here a few months later. Nearly a decade on, her father is still asking for the same thing families asked for then: education, so his daughter can have a brighter future. Through our education programs, Plan International is helping children access learning opportunities and build a better future.”
In Dhaka, Ghelani met Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh; Joris Van Bommel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and Susan Ryle, Australian High Commissioner. Discussions focused on collaboration in children's rights, inclusive education, child protection, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate resilience and humanitarian response.
On November 11, Ghelani met State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj at the Secretariat. They discussed the need for coordinated, long-term approaches to improving primary education, strengthening foundational skills and preventing child marriage.
Hajjaj emphasized the importance of quality education, saying: “The purpose of primary education extends beyond bringing children into school to ensure that every child receives quality and effective learning. The importance of foundational literacy and numeracy, alongside the development of critical thinking, creativity and skills needed for the future.”
Ghelani acknowledged Hajjaj's leadership and initiatives to improve primary education, saying: “Quality education and protection from child marriage are not separate priorities; they are fundamental to ensuring that every child, especially every girl, can exercise their rights and realize their potential. From early childhood onwards, children need the support, opportunities and protection to build a better future. Plan International stands ready to bring its experience in Bangladesh and global expertise to support the Government's efforts to make this a reality for every child.”
The meeting also addressed preventing girls from dropping out at the secondary level, ensuring safe and child-friendly schools with separate toilets and hygienic facilities, and strengthening community and family capacity to respond to climate change.
Ghelani expressed interest in joint initiatives, technical cooperation and expanding Plan International's work across Bangladesh in line with government priorities. Senior ministry officials and Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, also attended.