Objective There might be a difference between non-working and working women in their perception of rights and privileges which may influence their contraceptive behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine contraceptive behavior among non-working and working women in Bangladesh determining associated factors.

Method Analysis was based on data from the 1999–2000 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey which employs nationally representative sample.

Results The prevalence of current contraceptive use (any method) was 58.2% among non-working women and 65.5% among working women. Both rates are still low for the country. Some factors, such as discussed family planning with husband, husband approves family planning, desire for more children, and husband lives together, were influential determinants of lower contraceptive prevalence among the non-working women.

Conclusion The results indicate a necessity for social activities promoting husband–wife communication and women's participation in employment to enhance the use of contraceptives among Bangladeshi women, especially non-working women.