Bangladesh Confronts Contraceptive Crisis: Shortage of Condoms and Other Essential Supplies

Bangladesh is facing a pressing issue: a severe shortage of condoms and other essential contraceptives. According to a recent report, the country's family planning program is struggling due to funding constraints and staff shortages. The Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) is expecting to exhaust its condom stock in just 38 days, affecting the free distribution of five types of contraceptives to the population. The national contraceptive summary report reveals a concerning decline in contraceptive supplies over the past six years. Condoms have seen a 57% drop, while oral pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables, and implants have also recorded significant declines. Currently, the agency has stock for a limited time: condoms for 39 days, IUDs for 45 days, oral pills for five months and 18 days, and injectables for six months and 15 days. The shortage comes at a critical time, as Bangladesh has recorded an increase in its total fertility rate (TFR) for the first time in 50 years. Experts warn that the TFR could rise further due to the lack of access to modern contraception. A recent national survey found that both contraceptive use and access to modern contraception have declined, pointing to a direct link between the increase in TFR and the shortage of supplies. Aminul Islam, a professor of Population Sciences at Dhaka University, notes that many couples have become less inclined towards family planning, opting for more than two children. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025 reported a TFR of 2.4, up from 2.3 last year. The DGFP's logistics and supply unit director, Abdur Razzaque, hopes that the contraceptive items could be restocked soon, pending the resolution of an ongoing legal issue. However, he emphasized that condoms are likely to run out, leaving people without supplies for at least a month. The shortage of field-level workers has added to the problem, further exacerbating the issue.