The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Bangladesh was less than 10 per cent and the total fertility rate (TFR) was more than 6 children per woman in the mid-1970s. CPR increased to about 45 per cent and TFR declined to 3.3 per cent in 1993/1994. TFR has remained stable since then, although CPR increased to 54 per cent in 1999/2000. The study investigates why and how TFR could remain stable despite an increase in CPR, using the data from the Matlab demographic surveillance system. The study shows that, without a further change in fertility preference or desired family size, further emphasis on family planning may increase CPR. However, its effect is likely to be counter-balanced by a negative impact of any other proximate determinants of fertility, including abortion, and may not have any effect on fertility