With promise to let Young people sexual and reproductive health at the center Bangladesh 4th National Youth Conference closing ceremony held on 21st October Monday at Krishibid Institution in Dhaka. SERAC-Bangladesh in collaboration with Bangladesh Youth Health Action Network (BYHAN), is the first-ever national conference on youth family planning in world that only focuses on young people and their reproductive health. The conference also in association with the participation of UKAID, UNFPA Bangladesh, Jhpeigo, Mariestopes Bangladesh, Plan International, Right Here Right Now Bangladesh Platform, Population Action International.
Advocate Mr Abdul Matin Khasru, the Honorable Member of parliament, inaugurated the closing plenary as Chief Guest in moderation by Mr. SM Shaikat The executive director of SERAC-Bangladesh and conference secretary-general. Prof. Dr. Mainul Islam, Chairman of Department of Population Sciences, Dhaka University, Dr Dewan MD Emdadul Haque, Health System Specialist, UNFPA Bangladesh, Mr Noor Mohammad PhD, Executive Director, PSTC, Dr Mahfuza Mousumi Program Director of Jhpiego, Ms. Orla Murphy, Country Director of Plan International were also present on the occasion. Health Specialist Dr ASM Sayem (MIH, PhD Candidate) presented the key note speech for the youth during the plenary.
Advocate Mr Abdul Matin Khasru said, Youth can lead their way to Family Planning and it is high time to move forward. To achieve sustainable development goals it is our responsibility to work for building our nation. The government is committed to fulfilling young people’s potential and health needs.
Mr. SM Shaikat, The executive director of SERAC-Bangladesh and conference secretary-general said during his speech that young people should be more concern about their body rights and it is our responsibility. Sexual health and reproductive health cant ignored and it is a youth’s right to get services and information.
Ms. Orla Murphy, Country Director of Plan International said, emphasized on child marriage and other harmful practices and gender equality situation in Bangladesh. Girls just need to send school for quality education and health care, development workers need to be accountable for their duty.
For the first time, the conference organizer SERAC-Bangladesh declared a lifetime achievement award to Ms Jahirun Bewa, a nurse who went house to house by cycle to treat people who are hard to reach and where health facilities are limited at the rural area in Lalmonirhat.
There were 6 plenaries and more than 7 parallel and concurrent sessions happened for youth for two days. OGSB, UBR Alliance, Gashful, Mohammadpur Model Nursing institution also participated during the conference.
