Bangladesh is currently facing difficult situations on many fronts. After the death of student leader Sharif Usman Hadi, another serious crisis has now emerged amidst the violence and political unrest spread in the country.
According to the latest report, the supply of condoms in Bangladesh may come to a complete halt for at least a month at the beginning of next year. This situation has come to light at a time when there are signs of increasing birth rate in the country.
According to the report of local newspaper The Daily Star, due to lack of funds and severe shortage of staff, the current stock of condoms in Bangladesh is only 38 days left. Officials say that after this, condoms will not be available for at least a month.
Increasing birth rate increases concern
The condom crisis has come to light at a time when Bangladesh has recorded an increase in the total fertility rate (TFR) for the first time in 50 years. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025, the country’s TFR has increased to 2.4, which was 2.3 last year. In recent years, many couples are moving away from family planning and the trend of having more than two children is increasing. Lack of contraceptives can make this situation more serious.
Condom supply fell 57% in six years
Under the family planning program in the country, the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) provides free contraceptives to the people. This includes condoms, contraceptive pills, IUDs, injections and implants. But now this system is in serious trouble.
According to the National Contraceptive Summary Report, there has been a huge decline of 57 percent in the supply of condoms in the last six years. Not only condoms, but the availability of all other contraceptive means has also been continuously decreasing. According to the data,
The supply of contraceptive pills has decreased by 63%. Availability of IUDs has declined by 64%, injections have decreased by 41%, supply of implants has decreased by 37%.
Legal issues and lack of staff are major reasons
Abdur Razzaq, director of logistics and supply unit of DGFP, said that the supply of some contraceptive devices could be restored soon if the legal dispute related to the purchase is resolved. However, he clearly said that the shortage of condoms is certain at present and people will have to face problems for at least a month.
The problem does not end here. The acute shortage of field level employees has made the situation worse. Due to legal hurdles, new recruitments are stalled, while these same employees go door-to-door to distribute contraceptives and provide advice to people.