Bevölkerungskontrolle ohne sozio-ökonomische Entwicklung? Das Experiment in Bangladesh

Abstract In consideration of the extremely unfavourable demographic and economic situation, the government of Bangladesh has embarked upon an extensive programme of anti-natalist population policy which in intensity clearly exceeds similar efforts in all other countries. The objectives of bringing the present growth rate of the population from 2.8 to 3 % down to 2 % by 1980, and the further aim of attaining a net reproduction rate of 1 % by 1985, seem utopian in view of the experience gained with population policy so far. Such endeavours can only be explained against the background of the extremely critical food and health situation with which the population is already confronted today. The study shows the complicated organization of family planning, involving all levels of administration, as well as the special campaigns carried out so far to provide information, contraceptive devices and sterilization facilities. Public interest in these campaigns has been high. The discussion centres in particular on the question as to what extent the willingness of the population to practise family planning is prompted by a situation whose seriousness is subjectively felt, and to what degree it can be stimulated by material incentives.