Bangladesh has long been internationally lauded for its achievements in maternal, child, and population health. Yet in recent years, these successes are increasingly threatened by a growing shortage of frontline staff in the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP). According to official statistics, nearly 28 per cent of all approved positions remain vacant. At district and union levels, the vacancy rate is even more pronounced, ranging from 28 to 45 per cent in several areas.
These vacancies have a direct impact on service delivery. Family Welfare Assistants, midwives, and Family Planning Inspectors provide essential services, including contraceptive distribution, antenatal and postnatal care, and community health education. With fewer staff available, individual workers are often forced to cover multiple roles, undermining both the quality and reach of these critical services.
Vacancy Statistics (November 2025)
| Position | Total Posts | Vacant Posts | Vacancy Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Welfare Assistant | 23,500 | 4,188 | 17.8 |
| Family Planning Inspector | 371 | 371 | 100 |
| Union Health Centre Physician | 2,500 | 878 | 35.1 |
| Key District-Level Posts | Various | — | 36–45 |
District-level data underscores the severity of the crisis. Rajshahi reports approximately 36 per cent vacancies, while Faridpur faces a 39 per cent shortfall, with eight out of 33 key posts entirely unfilled. Among hill districts, Khagrachhari experiences a 44 per cent vacancy rate, and Gaibandha 38 per cent, severely disrupting routine health and family planning programmes.
Long-Term Recruitment Challenges
Officials cite protracted recruitment procedures as a primary cause. In 2020, recruitment notices were issued for 36 departments, yet only nine have been filled, leaving 27 positions pending due to delays in approval and legal complications.
Mir Sajedur Rahman, DGFP Director (Administration), stated that a revised recruitment framework has been submitted to the Ministry of Health. Once approved, a nationwide survey of vacant posts will be conducted before the next round of hiring. He cautioned, however, that immediate resolution is unlikely, and underserved communities will continue to face service gaps.
Proposals by the Health Sector Reform Commission to consolidate three departments into a single “Primary and Public Health Directorate” have also raised concerns among officials. The new structure leaves questions over recruitment, promotion, and operational management unresolved.
Bangladesh’s decades-long public health gains now hinge on swift policy implementation and effective recruitment. Failure to address these workforce shortages threatens to erode hard-won progress in maternal, child, and population health.