With the slogan “We want equality, accountability and participation in improving the quality of Healthcare” District Health Rights Forum formation and Orientation meeting was held at 11:00 A.M at Zabarang Resource Center in Khagrachhari. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura, Executive Director, Zabarang Kallyan Samitee and was attended by dignitaries of the district, civil society and youth leaders. As representative of Bangladesh Health Watch Secretariat Mr. Shashanka Baran Roy, Coordinator, Field Operations and Mr. Morshed Alam, Programme Officer (Networking and Liaison) attended the event.

At the very onset of the meeting, Mr. Binodan Tripura of Zabarang Kalyan Samiti introduced the participants. Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura, Executive Director, Zabarang Kalyan Society said that they have been working hard with the cooperation of donor agencies on various issues of SDG to be achieved. They also have responsibilities as concerned citizens. Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura expressed his gratitude to BHW for choosing Khagrachhari district as BHW working area. He wished DHRF’s success.

Mr. Shashank Baran Roy, Coordinator, BHW Secretariat welcomed all forum members. He gave a comprehensive overview of the main goals and principles of the National Health Policy, achievements and challenges in the health sector of Bangladesh, framework, activities, website and social media pages of Bangladesh Healthwatch, activities and responsibilities of District Health Rights Forum and Youth for Health Rights, Khagrachhari.

After an extensive review, a 13-member Khagrachhari District Health Rights Forum was formed comprising one-third women members in the opinion of the members present. Mr. Sadhan Kumar Chakma was elected President and Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura was elected Secretary. Besides, a 16-member voluntary youth committee namely District Youth for Health was formed under the coordination of Md. Rana Hamid. It is decided that an Upazila Health Rights Forum and Upazila Youth for Health Rights will also be formed at Mohalchhari Upazila of the districts in this month.