Bangladesh population hits 175.7 million with growing workforce, says UNFPA

Bangladesh’s population is now estimated at 175.7 million, with half being women and two-thirds—around 115 million—falling within the working-age bracket (15–64 years), according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This demographic presents a key opportunity for the country to capitalize on the so-called demographic dividend.

The estimate comes from UNFPA’s flagship publication, State of World Population (SWOP) 2025, which was officially launched in Dhaka on Monday. Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh, unveiled the report at a press conference held at the UN Building in Gulshan.

“As of 2025, the global population stands at 8.2 billion. Bangladesh’s population is estimated at 175.7 million, with half being women and two-thirds in the working-age group. This is a significant opportunity to harness the demographic dividend,” Kamkong stated.

However, she also highlighted early signs of population ageing, noting that 7% of the population—approximately 12 million people—are aged 65 and above.

Adolescents account for 19% of the total population—about 33 million—while the broader youth cohort aged 10–24 makes up 28%, or nearly 50 million.

This year’s SWOP report focuses on the theme “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World.” The theme challenges prevailing narratives around population growth, arguing that the core issue is not about having “too many” or “too few” children, but rather about people lacking the freedom and means to make informed reproductive choices.

“Globally, and in Bangladesh, many—especially women and young people—are unable to realize their reproductive intentions due to systemic, economic, and social barriers,” said Kamkong.

The report draws on a global survey, academic research, and lived experiences from 14 countries to highlight disparities in reproductive agency. It reveals that while most people wish to have two children, many are unable to do so—whether due to financial constraints, lack of access to contraception, or health system gaps.

Fertility trends vary widely across the globe. In high-income countries such as South Korea, the fertility rate has dropped to just 0.8 children per woman—the lowest in the world. In contrast, countries like Niger have the highest total fertility rate (TFR), at 5.8 children per woman.

Bangladesh lies in the middle with a TFR of 2.1. However, the report notes persistently high adolescent birth rates in some areas, driven by early marriage, limited contraceptive access, and a lack of comprehensive sexuality education.

Kamkong also emphasized the challenges posed by low public investment in health. “Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in Bangladesh are among the highest, making care inaccessible for many,” she said. “Currently, only 0.7% of GDP and 2% of the national budget is allocated to health. We urge the government to increase this to 5% of GDP and 15% of the budget.”

Such investment, she noted, would strengthen the country’s health system—ensuring recruitment and retention of skilled health professionals, including midwives, and ensuring a steady supply of life-saving medicines and a range of contraceptives to support women’s reproductive choices.