The representatives of government and non-governmental organizations called for ensuring young people’s sexual and reproductive health services to realize the dream of Smart Bangladesh.
They said that various projects are being implemented at the government and private levels across the country to ensure reproductive health services for the youth. Collective action must be taken now to get the desired benefits.
The speakers said these things at the opening ceremony of the two-day national-level exchange meeting on sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
At the beginning of the event, Joyeeta Hossain, project coordinator of Nagorik Uddyog highlighted the achievements of the ongoing project on behalf of Right Here, Right Now (RHRN2) Coalition.
Sudikshya Pariyar, professional fellow, Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (Norec) said: “Improving sexual and reproductive health in Bangladesh involves comprehensive education, accessible healthcare, and empowering youth.”
She said: “Legal reforms, community engagement, and supportive workplace policies are essential. Training healthcare professionals, conducting research, utilizing media, and fostering partnerships contribute to a holistic approach for positive change in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).”
Deputy Secretary Mohammad Sirajur Rahman Bhuiyan said: “Strategies are being adopted according to the cultural context of the country in sensitizing society, especially parents and society leaders about youths SRHR. However, parents and people in society are still not ready to receive and discuss reproductive healthcare information due to social and cultural taboos.”
Dr Mohammad Nizam Uddin, line director (MNC & AH), DGHS said: “The overall sexual and reproductive health status of the general population in Bangladesh has improved significantly compared to 20-25 years ago. For example, once upon a time the death rate of pregnant mothers was very high due to lack of awareness about family planning, neglect of pregnant mother care, lack of medical centers near home, shortage of skilled midwives etc.”
Dr Md Manjur Hossain, program manager, (A & RH) (MCH), Directorate of Family Planning said: “Many schools do not have separate toilets for girl students. Some schools have separate toilets but no hygiene corner. There is no opportunity to dispose of sanitary pads. This makes the students uncomfortable. Teachers should be aware of this. Toilets should be installed for students with special needs or disabilities.”
There are many obstacles in this regard. Therefore, to achieve success, all levels of the organization must acquire practical competence. Concerted action must be taken. The program manager of the Department of Health emphasized on the exchange of information, advice and services by coordinating between government and private organizations and schools.
Md Shamsul Haq said: “The health department is implementing the project at primary and secondary level.”
Dr ANM Mustafa Kamal Majumder said in his speech that sexual and reproductive healthcare is essential for physical and mental development.
Director of Imam Training Academy Maulana Anisuzzaman Sikder said: “Sexual and reproductive health education is very important for human life. Because of this fourteen hundred years ago, the Holy Prophet gave instructions on the matter. So, it is important to get a proper education in this regard. Values need to be inculcated. Otherwise, there is a danger of the youth going into danger.”
In the event, the young people of the Nagorik Uddyog’s Change Maker team participated in discussions on issues like child marriage, physical and mental changes during adolescence, sexual harassment, sexual and reproductive health rights and disabilities and gender equality.
Apart from this, the members of the Nagorik Uddyog’s NoboDyuth theatre team performed a street play called 'Eso Katha Boli' to highlight the harmful effects of child marriage, keeping the sexual and reproductive health and rights issues of the young society at the fore.