Sustainable population
Photo: Amirul Rajiv
This crucial matter needs to be seriously taken up. The government must have pragmatic plans and actions to contain the population explosion. Earlier, a significant population control programme was successfully implemented with total commitment and hard work and personal supervision by the (late) Dr. Ibrahim, founder of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, as the then, Health and Population Planning Adviser under Zia's military rule in the 1970s. Something like that is needed now. Among many options; sterilization of males and females in rural areas may need to be adopted if other steps fail. These un-educated, poor and deprived men and women are saddled with unnecessary children, that remain under fed, under nourished and a burden to the poor household. If needed, financial incentives may be also considered; as on a national basis it may be cost effective. This needs to be taken in hand, the sooner the better; as family planning is no longer getting the government's attention and effort that is continuously needed in rural areas. Another important aspect which I believe has not been considered is multiple marriages in rural society, which naturally encourages population growth. This must be stopped. Similar efforts only with more effectiveness is also needed for preventing child marriage which is also fairly common in rural areas. These are important steps that need to be taken up: NOW!
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