In observance of the World Population Day 2021, the Department of Population Sciences of Dhaka University (DU) and UNFPA Bangladesh jointly organized a webinar on “Rights and Choices are the Answer: Whether Baby Boom or Bust, the Solution Lies in Prioritizing the Reproductive Health and Rights of all People” today  September 5, 2021. DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman addressed it as chief guest.

Presided over by Chairman of the Department of Population Sciences Prof. Dr. Md. Rabiul Haque, the webinar were also addressed by DU Social Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Sadeka Halim and UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Asa Torkelsson as special guests.

DU VC Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman in his speech highlighted the compromised health care system particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health amidst the ongoing pandemic. The presence of the higher risks of gender-based inequities, gender-based violence and child marriage are harmful practices against women, he pointed out.

DU VC stressed the need for addressing the gaps to access to the reproductive health and rights of the people about the fertility rate as well as population growth which can create challenge for the health system.

Founder Chairman of DU Population Sciences Department Prof. Dr. AKM Nurun Nabi and Senior Associate & Country Director, Population Council, Bangladesh Dr. Ubaidur Rob presented key-note papers in the webinar while Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter of Johns Hopkins University, USA and Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh took part  in the discussion.

About 100 participants including senior policy experts, officials of MOHFW, MOWCA, academia, development partners, representatives from civil societies and NGOs participated at the webinar.

(Mahmood Alam)

Director

Public Relations Office

University of Dhaka