On 11 June 2026, RHSTEP Oporajeyo Tarunno Project, Barishal Regional Office successfully organized a free dialogue session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) aimed at ensuring the active participation of marginalized and underprivileged adolescents. The program was held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, focusing on empowering young people with accurate knowledge and a safe platform for discussion.

The event was organized under the objective of strengthening adolescent participation in SRHR dialogue and ensuring their voices are reflected in health-related decision-making processes. The chief guest and key resource person was Mr. Pronoy Halder, Upazila Family Planning Officer (UFPO). Pradip Kumar Biswas, Accounts and Admin Officer, RHSTEP Medical Division, was also present.

The session began with a welcome speech delivered by Youth Officer Joy Hari Biswas, followed by an engaging ice-breaking and introduction session facilitated by Mentor Shoebur Reza, designed to reduce hesitation and encourage open communication among adolescents.

Youth Officer Joy Hari Biswas then provided an overview of reproductive health concepts and explained the objectives of the dialogue program, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in SRHR awareness.

A key highlight of the event was the Anonymous Question Box, which allowed adolescents to submit sensitive questions without revealing their identity. This was followed by the “My Inquiry” session, moderated by Mentors Abir and Siam, which gradually evolved into an open-floor discussion with active participation from adolescents.

During the open discussion, adolescents confidently raised important issues such as adolescent-friendly health corners in government hospitals, confidentiality in healthcare services, free sanitary pad distribution, monitoring of school-based reproductive health education, and mental health support during adolescence. They also asked questions related to social taboos and misconceptions surrounding reproductive health.

In response, UFPO Pronoy Halder provided detailed scientific explanations and guidance, emphasizing that ensuring adolescent reproductive health rights is a national priority. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining confidentiality and strengthening adolescent-friendly services in public health facilities.

In his remarks, he assured that the health department would continue to enhance youth-friendly services and create a more supportive environment for adolescents in healthcare settings.

The program concluded with a closing speech by Project Officer Salma Khanom, who thanked all participants, guests, and officials. She reaffirmed the commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized adolescents and ensuring that their concerns reach the policy-making level.

Finally, to encourage participation and engagement, prizes were distributed among the adolescent participants, marking the successful completion of an impactful and inclusive SRHR dialogue session.