Bangladesh’s population has reached an estimated 175.7 million in 2025, with two-thirds of its citizens falling within the working-age bracket. This significant demographic profile presents a crucial opportunity for the nation to capitalize on its “demographic dividend,” according to findings unveiled today by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The insights were revealed during the official launch of UNFPA’s annual flagship publication, the State of World Population (SWOP) 2025, at a press event held at the UN Building in Gulshan. Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the report’s key figures: “As of 2025, the global population stands at 8.2 billion. Bangladesh’s population is estimated at 175.7 million, of which half are women, and two-thirds (115 million) are in the working-age group. It is an opportunity to harness the demographic dividend.”
However, Kamkong also noted an impending challenge, as approximately 7 percent of the population, or about 12 million people, are aged 65 and above, signaling the commencement of population aging. Addressing the younger cohorts, she stated that adolescents constitute 19 percent of Bangladesh’s population (around 33 million), while the broader youth group aged 10 to 24 accounts for 28 percent, nearing 50 million.
This year’s SWOP report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis – The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World,” challenges conventional narratives surrounding population growth. It posits that the true crisis is not merely about birth rates, but rather about individuals’ ability to exercise their reproductive agency. “Around the world, and here in Bangladesh, people—especially women and young people—are unable to realize their reproductive intentions due to systemic, economic, and social barriers,” Kamkong elaborated.
Drawing on a global UNFPA survey, academic research, and real-life experiences, the report offers an in-depth examination of fertility patterns and reproductive rights. Globally, fertility rates vary drastically, from the Republic of Korea’s record low of 0.8 children per woman to Niger’s high of 5.8 children per woman. Bangladesh falls in the mid-range with a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.1. However, the report indicates persistently high adolescent birth rates in certain regions of Bangladesh, primarily driven by factors such as early marriage, limited access to contraceptives, and inadequate sexuality education.
The report also addresses unfulfilled fertility aspirations across 14 countries, revealing that while most individuals desire two children, many end up with fewer due to barriers in accessing reproductive health services. Conversely, others have more children than planned due to a lack of information and resources.
Kamkong specifically pointed to the high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in Bangladesh, cautioning that many individuals without sufficient financial means are unable to access necessary medical care. “In Bangladesh, the government currently invests only 0.7% of GDP and 2% of the common budget for health. We hope that it will be increased to 5% of GDP and 15% of the common budget as the health and well-being of Bangladesh is crucial for harnessing the future potential of the country,” she urged.
She underscored that increased investment would facilitate the recruitment, deployment, and retention of a skilled health workforce, including midwives, and ensure the consistent availability of life-saving medicines and diverse contraceptives to expand women’s choices.
The event saw the presence of UNFPA officials, development partners, government representatives, and civil society members.
