Performance of supply-oriented family planning policy in Bangladesh: an examination

Using data from four nationally representative sample surveys conducted since 1968, this paper examines the performance of the family planning program of Bangladesh, which placed emphasis on its supply component. The very low contraceptive prevalence rate and the large gap between knowledge and use of contraceptive methods indicates the poor performance of the program. After discussing the probable reasons for such performance, the paper suggests accelerating the demand for contraceptives among the married women of Bangladesh through persuasion and by improving the existing contraceptive distribution system. This is required for increasing the use of family planning methods in the country.