Bangladesh is gearing up for a renewed family planning initiative, including rallies, events, and home delivery of contraceptives, all under the banner of “No more than two children, one is better.” Recent data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2025 indicates an increase in the total fertility rate to 2.4 births per woman from 2.3 in 2019. Moreover, the use of contraceptives among married women has declined to 58.2% from 62.7%, while the adolescent birth rate has gone up to 92 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19, from 83. Media reports have highlighted shortages of contraceptives, with a decrease in exposure to family planning messages from 44% to 22% among women from 2004 to 2018. Additionally, there has been a shift towards the private sector, with modern-method users relying more on private services from 42% in 2011 to 57% in 2022.
While the upcoming campaign aims to address these challenges, questions arise regarding the suitability of the campaign slogan given the current demographic landscape in Bangladesh. Historical family planning slogans have played a significant role in shaping societal norms, such as “A small family is a happy family” post-independence, followed by “Boy or girl, two children are enough” in the 1980s, and more recently, “No more than two children, one is better” from 2004 to 2018. While these slogans contributed to a decline in fertility rates over the years, they did not necessarily align with individuals’ desired family sizes. Data shows that a considerable percentage of recent births were mistimed or unwanted, highlighting a gap between desired and actual fertility rates.
The focus of family planning has evolved from emphasizing fewer children to ensuring individuals can make informed choices about the number and timing of their children. Bangladesh’s National Population Policy 2025 reflects this shift towards rights and choice, moving away from numerical fertility targets. Survey results indicate that a majority of couples desire small families, with a decreasing trend in the desire to stop childbearing. Access to contraceptives has declined, leading to an increase in unmet needs, which could impact overall fertility rates. The efficacy of family planning programs in Bangladesh is crucial for addressing population growth concerns, with reproductive choice playing a pivotal role in achieving sustainable outcomes.
It is essential for family planning initiatives to prioritize informed decision-making and access to a range of contraceptive methods, rather than prescribing a specific family size. By ensuring that individuals can plan pregnancies according to their preferences, Bangladesh can work towards a more effective and inclusive family planning strategy that aligns with changing demographic dynamics and reproductive rights commitments. The success of the campaign should be gauged based on how well it enables individuals to have the children they desire, at the time they desire, rather than adhering to a predetermined number of children.
