Sudden rise in fertility rate concerns
It is concerning that Bangladesh’s total fertility rate (TFR) has recently risen to 2.4 after decades of decline and stagnation. For a long period the rate of stagnation was around 2.3. This reverse journey has never been seen before in the 54 years since independence. According to a latest survey, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), this increase is attributed to a decline in family planning usage, funding shortfalls, and potentially a slight increase in the number of families wanting more children.
The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025, the most comprehensive survey conducted on women and children, highlighted progress and challenges in health, nutrition, protection, and development. The survey, with technical and financial support from UNICEF, conducted in nearly 63,000 households over one year. It mentioned that the fertility rate for women aged 15 to 49, in the three years preceding, is 2.4. However, the surveys of 2019 and 2013 put the rate at 2.3.
Experts, while asked about the possible reasons behind the recent rise, stated that there has been visible reluctance in family planning in recent years, and some families now expect more than two children. The latest survey also shows that the use of contraceptives by married women dropped to 58.2 percent from 62.7 percent in 2019. Besides, access to modern contraception also declined, with 73.5 percent of women’s needs met, compared to 77.4 percent in 2019.
At the time of independence, women in Bangladesh gave birth to an average of six or more children. Bangladesh has been trying to reduce the TFR for five decades. One of Bangladesh’s major achievements in the economy and health sectors is this reduction in the birth rate. The survey also shows that TFR is higher among women from the poorest families and among illiterate women.
The TFR is increasing, which means our family planning program is not working properly. It seems that our population policy and strategy are not on the right track. Increasing TFR could put the country’s overall development at risk. Statistics show that TFR has never decreased in the country’s history. It has either decreased continuously or remained stable for several years. For example, from 2012 to 2022, the TFR was 2.3. That is, the TFR remained stable for a decade.
After independence, population was considered a national problem in Bangladesh. It was thought that overpopulation was a hindrance to the national economy. The government then adopted a policy of population reduction. Since the fertility rate is now in an increasing trend, emphasis must be placed on family planning programs again.