The rate of children under 15 years in the country is gradually decreasing. According to the census data of the last two decades, compared to 2011, the number of children under 15 years has decreased by 29 lacks in the 2022 census. That is about a 6 percent decrease. And compared to the 2001 census, it has decreased by 4 percent.
The census divides the under-15 child population into three age groups—0 (from the first day of birth) to 4 years, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14 years. In the last two decades, the child rate has been seen to decline in all three age groups separately.
Demographers say that over time, the number of children under 15 years is decreasing as the number of couples having children in this country is lower than before.
According to the final report of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) Census and Household Survey 2022, the number of children aged 0 to 14 years (from the first day of birth), i.e. less than 15 years, is about 29 percent of the total population in the country.
The total population is 16 crore 98 lakh 28 thousand 909 people.
Among them, the number of children below 15 years is more than 48.9 million.
According to the 2011 census, children under the age of 15 constitute about 35 percent of the total population. In 2001 it was 39 percent. In 2011 the total population was over 14.97 million and the number of children under 15 years was over 5.18 million. And in 2001, the total population was more than 13 crore and the number of children under 15 years was more than 50.9 lakh.
According to the 2011 census, children under the age of 15 constitute about 35 percent of the total population. In 2001 it was 39 percent. In 2011 the total population was over 14.97 million and the number of children under 15 years was over 5.18 million. And in 2001, the total population was more than 13 crore and the number of children under 15 years was more than 50.9 lakh.
What the experts are saying
Demographers say that when the infant mortality rate in a country’s population decreases, couples have fewer children. It does not happen if there is no socio-economic development. The country is now in an advantageous position in terms of age demographics. Now the dependent population, i.e. children under 15 years and people over 65 years of age. Is less and the working population is more.
Professor Mohammad Billal Hossain of the Department of Demographic Sciences of Dhaka University that at one time couples used to have many children. They used to have more children thinking that those who survive! Now due to many development programs of the government. And steps are taken to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The infant mortality rate has decreased more than before
Professor Mohammad Billal Hossain also said that the country is now moving towards demographic change. Instead of a high birth rate and high death rate, the country is now moving towards a low birth rate and low death rate. Such a process can be seen in a country when there is socio-economic development. It is universal. As participation in education and work increases, a couple becomes aware of having fewer children.
The total fertility rate (TFR) in the country in 1975 was 6.3. According to the Demographic and Health Survey 2022 (BDHS) report, the TFR in the country is now 2.3. The infant mortality rate has decreased compared to the survey four years ago.
The number of 5-year-old child deaths fell from 43 to 31 per 1,000 live births. Infant (less than one year) deaths fell from 36 to 25 per 1,000 live births, and newborn (28 days to 28) deaths from 27 to 20 per 1,000 live births. According to the Government’s 4th Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Program (4th HPNSP) targets, the target of reducing under-five child mortality by 2023 has been achieved and the target of reducing neonatal mortality is close to being achieved.
M. Shahidul Islam, head of the population planning and research department of the Bangladesh office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Told Prothom Alo that the country’s TFR is going down to the level of replacement fertility rate.
The declining childbirth rate is due to falling TFR.
However, there are various factors behind the decrease in the rate of children. For example, if people’s socioeconomic development and education expand if women’s education increases. And if women participate more in the workplace. The rate of having children decreases.
When asked if this decrease is positive or not, he said, it is positive in terms of demographic dividend. (The working population is more than the dependent population). But for the number of children, there are, ensuring their safety is paramount. Especially girls should not drop out of education. Due to various reasons including climate change, river erosion, and poverty-prone areas, people leave their areas and move to cities. At that time they mostly leave the area by marrying the girl member of the family. It increases child marriage.
Emphasis is placed on awareness
Abdul Latif Molla, Director of Information, Education and Encouraging (IEM) Department of Family Planning Directorate told Prothom Alo. That the government is emphasizing making people aware that it cannot be imposed. on who will have many children in this modern age. So that couples become aware of having fewer children and pay attention to the child’s health, education, and nutrition. Besides, the government has taken various steps to sensitize 10 to 19-year-olds about various rights including reproductive health.