World Population Day is observed every year on July 11 and this year will be no exception. The population clock of our country is ticking beyond 16.2 million and it is important that we try and stem the rot in due earnest. The population growth has to be checked if we want to enjoy the fruits of development. The population of Bangladesh is equivalent to 2.19 per cent of the world population. Vietnam has achieved considerable success in population control as their population growth is only 1.77 per cent. The fertility rate for Bangladeshi women is 2.21 and it has to be reduced remarkably. We have already achieved considerable success in population control, but we need to do more so that we are able to achieve the desired progress on the economic front. Sadly the government has not been able to bring about expected change in the economy and one of the principal reasons being the population pressure. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and it will occupy the top spot if we consider countries with a land area of around 100,000 kilo meters. We shall have to bring down the fertility rate of women below 2.0 per cent within next five years to enjoy the benefits of development. It is sad that every year thousands of young men and women come out of universities, but we do not have enough work to provide them. We all know that population has a direct role in poverty reduction. If we want to get out of poverty we have to check the population growth at any cost.
Faisal Ahmed
Uttara, Dhaka
- Tuesday, 23 April 2024 |
- Today's FE |
- e-Paper |
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