Dhaka, Oct. 20 -- Almost one in two girls in Bangladesh is married before turning 18, UNICEF has said.

The United Nations agency said on Tuesday that this puts girls' education, health and futures at risk.

After a three-day visit, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called for urgent investment in Bangladesh's children and outlined three steps.

She met families in Korail, Dhaka's largest slum, and Rohingya refugees and members of the host community in Cox's Bazar.

The steps are ending child marriage and keeping girls in school so they can continue their studies; delivering the government's pledge to invest 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in education and health; and ensuring quality education for Rohingya refugee and...