Population Programs in Bangladesh: Problems, Prospects And Policy Issues (original) (raw)

Recently when advised to disseminate the paper, since more than a year had passed from its first write-up, it was felt necessary to update and revise the paper taking into account more recent developments. The title of the paper, and a clear focus on selective approach in fertility regulation, were deliberately chosen. Even though the seriousness of population problems in Bangladesh deserve an over riding consideration to focus on fertility regulation in its population policies, the authors carefully considered the needs of population policies within the broader principles of human rights and the ICPD commitments. Given the convincing evidences indicating that achievement of replacement level fertility, and eventual stabilization of population, is possible by meeting unmet needs and demands, the paper focuses on program efforts in fertility regulation sector. The authors however do not de-emphasize the policy needs on other sectors such as social, economic and legal sectors.