Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 14, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting here today unanimously viewed that gender balance is a precondition to substantial and sustainable progress of the nation.

They said responsive support from the community, especially teachers, parents, and influential leaders, has become a must to stop child marriage.

Government officials and other relevant individuals made the observation while addressing a post-rally discussion to mark World Population Day 2025. The Department of Family Planning organized the discussion at its conference hall, highlighting the significance of the day.

World Population Day 2025 highlights this challenge, focusing on the largest-ever generation of young people.

The theme, "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world," calls for ensuring that youth have the rights, tools, and opportunities to shape their futures.

Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Khandaker Azim Ahmed addressed the discussion as the chief guest, while Divisional Director of Family Planning Dr Kustary Amina Queen was in the chair.

Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter, Medical Officer from the Civil Surgeon Office Dr Bayezid-Ul-Islam, and Deputy Director of Family Planning Abdur Razzaque also spoke on the occasion.

Commissioner Azim Ahmed said there is no alternative to equal participation of both men and women in family planning activities. Utmost emphasis should be given to reaching existing family planning services in both urban and rural areas to attain the desired results in this field.

Dr Kustary Amina Queen told the meeting that they are providing various reproductive healthcare services, including maternal, antenatal, delivery, postnatal, neonatal, menstrual regulation, post-operative, maternal nutrition, and adolescent reproductive care throughout the district.

She said utmost emphasis should be given to ensuring planned families by discouraging unwanted pregnancies and child marriage across society.
On the occasion, prizes and crests were distributed among the best family planning workers and service providers for their laudable contributions to the field.