Dhaka: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has welcomed the release of the preliminary findings of the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) with technical support from UNICEF. The survey provides an essential overview of the health and wellbeing of women and children in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the survey, covering 172 indicators with 27 linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, highlights progress in maternal and newborn health. Notably, Bangladesh has reduced infant mortality from 34 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019 to 29 in 2025. Additionally, maternal health service coverage has improved, with 71 percent of women now delivering in health facilities and 77 percent of deliveries conducted by skilled birth attendants.
Despite these advancements, the findings reveal challenges that Bangladesh must address to fulfill its national and global commitments. Child marriage remains a significant concern, with the percentage of women aged 20-24 married before 18 decreasing from 51.4 percent in 2019 to 47.2 percent in 2025. However, the proportion of adolescent girls aged 15-19 who are currently married has increased.
The survey also notes an increase in the adolescent birth rate and shifts in fertility patterns. Total fertility rates have slightly risen, partly due to disruptions in family planning services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The contraceptive prevalence rate stands at 58.2 percent, indicating uneven access to modern contraception.
In response, Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Family Planning Strategy (2025-2030) and the National Population Policy 2025, focusing on rights and choices rather than population control. UNFPA has supported the development of these strategies and emphasizes the importance of a rights-based approach.
Another concern is the rising rate of Caesarean section deliveries, which increased from 36 percent in 2019 to 51.8 percent. This trend suggests issues with maternal health care resources and overmedicalization, particularly in private facilities. Addressing these challenges requires adequate trained midwives, safe surgery, and improved clinical governance.
The findings underscore the need for expanded access to family planning, prevention of adolescent pregnancy, and addressing harmful practices like child marriage. Strong government leadership, national budget investment, and active engagement from civil society, academia, media, and local communities are crucial for supporting girls in reaching their full potential.
UNFPA remains committed to partnering with the government of Bangladesh to support family planning, strengthen maternal health services, eliminate violence, and expand opportunities for women and young people.