The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Eminent economist Professor Mozaffer Ahmad on Friday stressed the need for holistic approach to check population growth in the country.

"We have to identify the ways of solution to reduce the population growth", said Prof Muzaffer while speaking at a discussion on 'Plan Your Future: Plan Your Family' in observance of the World Population Day at the Scout Bhaban here.

Director General of Family Planning Association of Bangladesh Dr Halida Hanum Akhter presented the keynote paper.

Physicians, government officials and NGO representatives, among others, took part in the open discussion.

Prof Muzaffer, also President of United Nations Association of Bangladesh(UNAB), said empowerment of women and spread of education could help lower the rate population growth.

"So, we have to take more initiatives for women empowerment and spread of education," he added.

Prof Muzaffer said the country may face food insecurity if proper steps are not taken in the regard.

In her keynote paper, Dr Halida Hanum Akhter said one woman dies in every minute in the world while 20 women suffer disability during pregnancy and delivery cases due to lack of proper health care.

She said 1.3 million delivery cases occurred annually in the country as there are only 4000 skilled birth attendants.

Describing the huge population of the country as a major problem, the speakers urged the government to take effective steps to check population growth for accelerating the pace of economic progress.

They urged all political parties to possess strong political commitment to bring down population growth.