Understanding Population Growth in Bangladesh
Population growth in Bangladesh has been one of the defining forces shaping the country’s development journey. As of 2025, Bangladesh has a population of around 175.7 million and a growth rate of 1.2 percent, according to the World Bank (source).
The country’s density is among the highest in the world, with over 1,200 people per square kilometer. This means Bangladesh adds more than two million new citizens every year, which is both a challenge and an opportunity.
In contrast, developed countries such as Japan, Germany, and the United States have seen population growth rates below 0.5 percent, and in some cases even negative growth. This difference explains why population management is such a vital issue for Bangladesh’s economic and social future.
To understand this better, let’s compare Bangladesh’s population growth rate with developed economies and explore whether this growth is beneficial or alarming.
Population Growth Trends: Where Bangladesh Stands
Bangladesh’s growth rate in the 1970s was above 2.5 percent. However, over the last 50 years, family planning, women’s education, and health awareness have significantly slowed the rate to around 1.2 percent in 2024.
This decline is remarkable. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen from 6.9 births per woman in 1971 to 2.0 births in 2024. This progress shows the success of social awareness campaigns and healthcare access.
Still, even with this decline, Bangladesh’s growth remains higher than that of most developed nations. For instance, Japan’s population growth rate is -0.3 percent, Germany’s is 0.1 percent, and the United States has 0.4 percent. (UN Data).
This means while developed nations struggle with aging populations, Bangladesh faces the opposite challenge: managing a young, rapidly growing population.
Demographic Dividend: The Strength of Youth
One positive side of population growth in Bangladesh is its demographic dividend. Around 65 percent of Bangladeshis are of working age (15–64 years), while the median age is only 27 years.
This youth advantage creates huge potential for economic growth. The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that Bangladesh could add billions to its GDP if it provides quality education and jobs to this generation.
Countries like South Korea and Singapore used their demographic dividend to become developed within a few decades. Bangladesh has a similar opportunity if it focuses on skill development, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Comparing Bangladesh with Developed Countries
Developed nations such as Japan and Italy have shrinking populations. Their fertility rates are below 1.5 births per woman, far lower than the replacement level of 2.1.
This means these countries face labor shortages, aging populations, and rising healthcare costs. Governments in these countries are encouraging immigration to fill workforce gaps.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, faces the reverse problem. A high youth population can drive growth if jobs exist. But if the economy cannot absorb them, it can lead to unemployment, migration, and social frustration.
For example, Bangladesh’s unemployment rate is around 5.3 percent, but youth unemployment exceeds 12 percent, according to the World Bank. Many young Bangladeshis migrate abroad for work, sending back remittances that contribute about 6 percent of GDP.
While developed nations rely on immigrants to sustain their economies, Bangladesh exports its labor — a major contrast in global population dynamics.
Urbanization and Resource Pressure
Rapid population growth is also transforming Bangladesh’s cities. In 1990, only 20 percent of Bangladeshis lived in urban areas. Today, that number has risen to 40 percent, and by 2050, it is expected to exceed 60 percent.
Dhaka alone now has over 23 million residents, making it one of the world’s most crowded cities. The city faces immense strain on housing, water, healthcare, and transport systems.
In contrast, developed nations like Germany or Canada have urban populations supported by better infrastructure and urban planning. For example, Berlin’s population density is around 4,000 people per square kilometer, while Dhaka’s exceeds 45,000.
This comparison shows that while Bangladesh’s urbanization is fast, it needs proper management to ensure sustainable growth and quality of life.
Education and Employment: Turning Numbers into Strength
To turn population growth into strength, education is key. According to UNESCO, Bangladesh’s literacy rate reached 76.8 percent in 2023, a major improvement from just 35 percent in 1990.
However, the quality of education remains a concern. Many graduates lack technical or digital skills needed in modern industries. Developed countries invest heavily in research, innovation, and higher education, while Bangladesh still spends only 2 percent of GDP on education. (UNESCO Data).
Creating skill-based programs, expanding vocational institutes, and improving access to digital tools can help Bangladesh compete globally. This will allow its growing population to contribute meaningfully to economic progress.
Health and Life Expectancy
Population growth also affects healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Bangladesh’s life expectancy has risen to 73.5 years, a major achievement compared to 47 years in 1971.
In developed countries like Japan, life expectancy exceeds 84 years, while the United States averages 77 years. The gap highlights both progress and the challenges Bangladesh still faces in improving healthcare quality.
To sustain balanced population growth, Bangladesh needs stronger investment in maternal care, mental health, and rural clinics. A healthier population ensures more productivity and longer working lives.
Environmental and Climate Impact
A growing population means growing pressure on natural resources. Bangladesh faces unique challenges due to its geography. Being a delta nation, it is highly vulnerable to climate change, river erosion, and rising sea levels.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that Bangladesh could lose up to 17 percent of its land by 2050 due to sea-level rise, displacing about 20 million people.
In contrast, developed nations such as Sweden or Canada have lower population densities and more resources to manage climate adaptation.
Thus, for Bangladesh, population management must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection, renewable energy investment, and sustainable land use.
Government Policies and Future Planning
Bangladesh’s government has implemented several policies for population control, including awareness campaigns, family planning services, and women empowerment programs.
As a result, contraceptive use has increased to over 62 percent, one of the highest rates in South Asia.
Still, rural areas lag behind in awareness and healthcare access. For a country with limited land and growing population, long-term planning is essential.
Developed countries manage population changes through data-driven policies and welfare systems. Bangladesh can adopt similar models, focusing on population stabilization, gender equality, and rural development.
Is Population Growth in Bangladesh Alarming?
In simple terms, Bangladesh’s current growth rate is not alarming, but it demands careful management. The growth is moderate, and fertility levels are near replacement rate.
The real challenge lies in ensuring that population growth aligns with economic opportunities, education, and sustainability.
If managed wisely, this growth can become Bangladesh’s biggest strength. But if ignored, it can cause strain on food, water, housing, and employment.
Population growth in Bangladesh should therefore be viewed as a strategic issue, not just a statistic.
Balancing Growth for a Sustainable Future
Bangladesh has achieved a delicate balance. Its population growth is no longer explosive, but its density remains one of the highest globally. Compared to developed nations with shrinking populations, Bangladesh still has the advantage of youth, energy, and demographic potential.
However, to turn this into prosperity, the country must prioritize education, healthcare, and job creation.
Population growth in Bangladesh is not a curse. It is a call to action to invest in people, harness their potential, and guide the nation toward a sustainable and equitable future.