Khulna hosts second stakeholder meeting
The second stakeholder meeting of the Youth Share-Net project was held in Khulna on Monday, aiming to strengthen awareness and policy coordination on climate change, coastal salinity, and young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The meeting took place at Hotel Tiger International and was organized by Dalit in collaboration with Red Orange Bangladesh. The project is funded by Amplify-Change.
Speaking as the chief guest, Suraiya Siddika, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs, said reproductive health should be treated as a normal and essential aspect of public health.
She noted that climate change has become a major challenge, particularly in coastal areas where prolonged exposure to saline water poses serious health risks for women. She stressed the need for alternative livelihood opportunities and protective measures to address these challenges.
She also highlighted the difficulties faced by women in coastal upazilas such as Dakope, Paikgachha and Koyra, where they often spend long hours collecting safe drinking water, adversely affecting their health and daily lives.
Raising awareness among families and communities is essential, she added.
The discussion session began with a welcome address by Pratap Das, who is responsible for the ‘Youth Share-Net’ project of Dalit. The event also featured a presentation by Project Manager Shakirun Akter, outlining the project’s objectives, activities, and progress.
Swapan Kumar Das, Executive Director of Dalit, said human civilisation has progressed through continuous struggle, and ensuring equal rights requires collective awareness and action.
He underscored that all citizens are equal before the law and entitled to equal rights regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Advocate Babul Howlader said safeguarding the rights of others is as important as claiming one’s own rights. He urged young people to take a leading role in promoting equality and human values in society.
He also emphasized the importance of constitutional awareness and said government legal support mechanisms are available to assist victims in resolving legal issues.
