Bangladesh’s family planning program faces a crisis as contraceptive shortages threaten to exacerbate rising birth rates.
The Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) warns condoms, the most widely used contraceptive, may run out in 39 days, leaving families without access for at least a month.
The country’s total fertility rate (TFR) rose to 2.4 in 2025, the first increase in 50 years, officials say.
Contraceptive use by married women aged 15–49 dropped to 58.2% in 2025, down from 62.7% in 2019.
The government halted contraceptive purchases in 2023, diverting funds to other priorities. DGFP officials blame legal delays and a 25% vacancy rate among field workers for worsening shortages.
Experts say the crisis, combined with declining access to modern contraception, is driving higher fertility rates.
A 2025 survey showed 73.5% of women still lack adequate contraceptive access, underscoring the urgent need for policy reforms.