Modern-day Dhaka presents significant obstacles to starting a family, particularly due to the financial challenges faced by young couples. With rising living costs consuming much of their disposable income, delaying parenthood has become the new norm. Couples are increasingly aligning their biological timelines with the point at which they reach a certain level of economic stability.
According to data from the fiscal year 2023-2024, published by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the average monthly household expenditure exceeds BDT 47,000-excluding the additional costs of raising a child. Childcare alone can cost between BDT 10,000 and 25,000, depending on healthcare, hygiene, nutrition, feeding habits, and educational needs. Meanwhile, the salary of a first-class government officer has remained unchanged at BDT 35,500, making it extremely difficult to accommodate family planning within this income.
Urban inflation continues to rise, recorded at 9.35 per cent in March and slightly decreasing to 9.17 per cent, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Bangladesh Bank. This has severely impacted household budgets. Dual-income families are struggling to make ends meet, while single-income couples are overwhelmed by growing debt. Couples must manage expenses such as rent, supporting ageing parents, groceries, transportation, and emergency savings-leaving little room to plan for children.
Beyond financial burdens, couples-especially working women-struggle to find adequate parenting support. The absence of structured and sufficient paid maternity leave makes early motherhood extremely challenging. Moreover, very few organisations provide paternity leave, which is essential in the early months of a newborn's life. The cost of domestic help or nannies in urban areas further compounds the problem, making it unaffordable for many families.
Delaying parenthood is no longer just a personal choice; it is deeply influenced by social and economic conditions. This trend is likely to continue unless meaningful changes are made. Solutions include easing the financial burden of raising a family, expanding childcare options, improving maternal healthcare, and ensuring both maternity and paternity leave. Additionally, tax benefits and workplace support for new parents could help reverse the trend of delayed pregnancies.
Taiyeba Hossain
BBA (Marketing)
North South University
taiyebahoss7@gmail.com
