Contraceptive discontinuation and switching behaviour of a couple has significant influence on fertility in Bangladesh in spite of a successful national family planning programme. This study examines the determinants of contraceptive use, discontinuation and switching behaviour by using calendar data extracted from 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Life table and multiple-decrement life table techniques are used to find out the contraceptive discontinuation rates and method specific discontinuation rates. The study shows that contraceptive prevalence increases with education, socioeconomic status, intention status, residence, age, parity and whether a family planning worker visited the home. Almost half of women who initiate the use of a method discontinue use within a year and nearly two-thirds discontinue within two years. The IUD has the lowest discontinuation rates, whereas the condom, followed by the injectable and oral contraceptive pill, have the highest rates. The findings indicate that side effects are the major cause of discontinuation for the pill, IUD and injectables. Determinants of switching behaviour are analyzed to identify users in need of contraception as well as those who abandoned use and would like to continue using contraception. Findings encompass the whole process of contraceptive use as well as women’s experience and difficulties in continuation of contraceptive use.