‘Fathers should share childcare responsibilities’: health advisor urges workplace paternity leave

Care must begin when a woman decides to be a mother, and the whole family must support her, she says

Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum has called for the introduction of paternity leave in Bangladesh, stressing that fathers must share equal responsibility for newborn care alongside mothers.

On Monday, Nurjahan said discussions were under way on the matter and outlined three conditions for fathers.

“They must give time to the child, participate equally in caring for the newborn, and serve the child’s mother,” she said.

“If a father can provide a written record of these commitments, I am willing to agree to paternity leave.”

Speaking at a workshop marking the Breastfeeding Week, she linked maternal health directly with infant nutrition, stressing that a healthy mother ensures adequate breast milk. But widespread poverty and malnutrition remain major obstacles, she noted, as many mothers cannot afford nutritious food.

“Colostrum is vital for children. Care must begin when a woman decides to be a mother, and the whole family must support her,” she added.

The event was organised by the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division with support from the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF). Presenting the keynote paper, BBF General Secretary Prof Saria Tasnim said breastfeeding rates had fallen steadily over the past five years.

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months dropped from 65 percent in 2017–18 to 58 percent in 2022. Similarly, children aged 6–23 months who remain with their mothers declined from 35 percent to 29 percent over the same period.

She blamed the decline on inadequate large-scale campaigns, weak enforcement of the BMS Act 2013 and BBMala 2017, and poor workplace facilities.

“Many mothers lack maternity leave, breastfeeding space, or storage options for milk. They often stop breastfeeding early and turn to powdered milk,” Saria said.