Dhaka: Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is an important issue that is related to human rights, health promotion, and social justice. It discusses various aspects related to human sexual and reproductive health, including the use of birth control methods, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and ensuring the rights to sexual education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, as a result of the government's public welfare initiatives, reproductive health awareness among women in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in women's and children's health. However, there is scope for more work in some areas. Concerned persons said that many women in rural as well as urban areas are now regularly visiting health centers, using family planning methods, and following menstrual hygiene rules.
Experts attribute this change to government and private initiatives to expand healthcare, social media campaigns, and increasing women's education. Whereas earlier there was no open discussion about reproductive health, now people from the younger generation to housewives are giving importance to the issue. According to the Directorate General of Family Planning, the rate of contraceptive use among rural women has increased significantly. The trend of using sanitary napkins for menstrual health care, especially among adolescents and young women, has also increased significantly. However, many women still cannot avail necessary reproductive health services due to poverty, superstitions, and lack of adequate healthcare services, said the concerned officials.
Reproductive health expert Dr. Nazneen Ahmed noted that women in different regions of Bangladesh are becoming aware of their rights, leading to success in various fields, including health and reproductive sectors. She credited the government's initiatives and the awareness of the citizens for this progress. The role of some women is especially commendable because they have adapted to modern practices instead of traditional methods.
Sources indicated that despite being a densely populated country, Bangladesh has made significant progress in population control. Bangladesh's total fertility rate (TFR) is now 2.00 compared to five decades ago when it was over 5. Bangladesh is reaping the benefit of a low birth rate, which has led to improved reproductive health. Public health experts explained that TFR is the number of children a woman of reproductive age will have in her lifetime. One of the goals of countries that want to control or reduce population is to reduce TFR. Bangladesh has been able to reduce TFR continuously since independence.
According to World Bank statistics, the TFR in Bangladesh was 6.9 in 1971, decreasing to 6.2 in 1981, and continuing to decrease thereafter. The current TFR is 2, although the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey reported it as 2.3. The country's first five-year plan, adopted in 1973-1978, emphasized population control, leading to the formulation of the first population policy in 1976. The government prioritized population control in subsequent five-year plans.
Dr. Nazneen Akhter highlighted the emphasis on health, population, and nutrition sector programs, with the population policy updated several times, leading to increased public awareness and improved reproductive health. Sources mentioned the role of field workers from the Directorate General of Family Planning and the media in promoting birth control. Various private organizations and NGOs also contributed to campaigns promoting small families. At independence, 8 percent of able-bodied couples used birth control methods; now, the rate is 62 percent.
Professor Mohammad Moinul Islam from Dhaka University's Department of Population Sciences stated that women's education and empowerment have contributed to smaller families, with economic progress as a consideration. Experts believe that TFR has positively impacted women's health. Women's health expert Professor Rowshan Ara Begum commented that with fewer children, women have more work and education opportunities, reducing health risks associated with childbearing.
However, TFR is not uniform across Bangladesh, with higher rates in Sylhet, Chattogram, and Mymensingh divisions. Government estimates place the country's population at about 17 crore. Reducing TFR is seen as essential to managing population pressure. Although Bangladesh controlled its population by reducing TFR, progress has stalled in the last decade, with minimal reduction since 2011.
Professor Rowshan Ara Begum noted that child marriage is prevalent, contributing to higher TFR among young women. Professor Mohammad Moinul Islam emphasized the need for targeted birth control programs in backward areas or special populations and addressing the unmet demand for birth control products.