DHAKA, May 24, 2026 (BSS) - With the aim of strengthening the child protection system in Bangladesh, an academic programme titled "Graduate Diploma in Child Protection" will be launched at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University with financial and technical assistance from UNICEF. 

Dhaka University and UNICEF will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard.

This was decided at a meeting between Dhaka University authorities and UNICEF today in the Vice-Chancellor's conference room. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam presided over the meeting.

DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Director of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research Professor Dr. Mahbuba Sultana, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Natalie McCauley, and several teachers from the institute were present.

During the meeting, DU authorities and UNICEF reached a consensus on adopting this joint collaborative academic programme aimed at enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of social workers, psychosocial counselors, current social service professionals, and related practitioners.
 
They emphasized preparing professionals from both government and non-government sectors to effectively support at-risk children, women, and families with the necessary knowledge and skills.

DU VC Prof Obaidul Islam thanked UNICEF for their cooperation and expressed hope that this programme would play a supportive role in enhancing the capacity of social service professionals in child protection at both national and community levels.