A day-long conference of the members of the Jatiya Sangsad on Population and Development' yesterday strongly recommended for taking effective measures to ensure the partici pation of the MPs tn family planning programme to contain the menace of population ex plosion in the country, reports BSS.

The MPs observed that despite a little success tn increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate, the country is still facing a danger of uncontrolled popula tion growth which may lead the nation towards severe consequences.

They suggested that mea sures be taken to discourage womeh to conceive before the age of 20 and aftAf the age of 30 years and fix the minimum marriage age at 20 for women and 25 for men

The Jatiya Sangsad members felt that proper education on family planning was the most effective means to control population and called for introducing family planning eduction in school and college curricula

In order to ensure a motivational. coordinating and super visory role of the MPs tn popu latlon control activities, the conference stressed the need for taking necessary legal steps immediately

The conference inaugurated by Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in the morning was divided into three sessions

Presided over by the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, the concluding session was attended by Leader of the Opposition In Parliament Sheikh Hasina as the chief guest.

The Intermediate session was chaired by Deputy Leader of the House Prof A Q M Badruddoza Chowdhury while Deputy Leader of the Opposition Abdus Samad Azad was present as the co-chairman.

Prof A Q M Badruddoza Chowdhury said population problem was one of those na-

tional issues for which the na Uon need to come to a consen sus Irrespective of political affil latlon

Prof Chowdhury said that women were the worst victims of high birth rate and In view of the present social circumstances they need to play the pioneering role in family plan rung activities

He. however, strongly emphasised involving people of all sections In family planning ac unties to make It a social movement

Kamal Ibne Yusuf felt that the conference would endeavour to Integrate the efforts of all to keep the population under control and help frame a meaning ful family planning policy for the country

The Family Planning Minis ter said through adopting mul tidlniensional approaches some success had been achieved In population control, but sUIl we have to go far away

Yusuf emphasised on human resource development. Joint ef forts of government and NGOs and expansion of msle FP methods