Local Correspondent, Chandpur; Dbarta24 — Bangladesh’s national birth rate has increased by 2 percent, reversing years of internationally acclaimed progress in population control, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain disclosed on Sunday (August 9).
Speaking to reporters following a surprise inspection of the Haimchar Upazila Health Complex and Chandpur Sadar Hospital, the Health Minister expressed grave concern over the spike, attributing it to a critical depletion of family planning supplies left behind by the previous administration.
“We previously gained a global reputation by successfully reducing our birth rate,” Minister Hossain stated during the media briefing. “Unfortunately, our birth rate has now increased by 2 percent.”
Zero Contraceptive Stock Inherited
Elaborating on the crisis, the minister highlighted severe supply chain disruptions across the country’s public health system.
He pointed out that government stocks for basic birth control supplies were completely exhausted when the current leadership assumed office.
“When we took responsibility, we did not find even a single piece of extra condom, nor were there any ‘Sukhi’ birth control pills to distribute to the public. There was zero stock of birth control medicines available. By September 15, we will rebuild buffer stocks for various family planning methods.”
Systemic Mismanagement and Legacy Issues
Addressing broader systemic problems within the healthcare infrastructure, Minister Hossain severely criticized the past government for widespread negligence and resource waste.
He noted that expensive medical equipment was left abandoned and deteriorating across numerous healthcare facilities nationwide, creating deep-seated operational mismanagement.
“Under the fascist regime, various health sector equipment was left lying around unused and ruined,” he remarked. “Given such circumstances, it is difficult to state exactly how long it will take to fully overhaul and elevate the nation’s health sector.”
Despite the broader structural challenges, the minister commended the administrative and operational standards at the inspected facilities in Chandpur.
He praised the local staff, emphasizing that food quality, toilet hygiene, and the dedication of doctors, nurses, and attendants stood out positively compared to national averages.
Commitment to Health Sector Reform
Reaffirming the government’s pledge to deliver quality healthcare services to the public, Minister Hossain assured that comprehensive reform measures are already underway. “We will ensure public health in line with our commitments. We have already initiated the necessary work for this purpose,” he affirmed. “We pledge to develop the nation and advance the health department.”
The press briefing was attended by Chandpur-3 Member of Parliament Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Civil Surgeon Dr. Nur Alam Din, Chandpur Sadar Hospital Superintendent Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, along with senior medical officers and local administration officials.