District Health Rights Forum and District Health Rights Youth Forum meeting was held on 27 September 2021 at SUS Dream Center in Netrokona. The meeting was chaired by Prof Matindra Sarker, and attended by dignitaries of the district, civil society, and youth leaders. As a representative of the Bangladesh Health Watch Secretariat Mr. Rajesh Adhikary, Programme Officer (Networking and Liaison) attended the event.

Mr. Shawpan Kumar Poul, Programme Director introduced the participants and gave vote of thanks to all. Begum Rokeya, Executive Director, Sabolamby Kalyan Samity, said that we have responsibilities as concerned citizens. It is time to raise our voice to improve the quality of the healthcare system and services in the Netrokona district through the Health Rights Forum’s activities. Begum Rokeya also expressed his gratitude to BHW for choosing the Netrokona district as one of the working areas. He further said that despite having other important districts in the Mymensingh division, our Netrokona district has been chosen. He wished success of the Health Rights Forum and Youth Forum for Health Rights.

Rajesh Adhikary, PO, BHW Secretariat welcomed all forum members. He discussed sections 1,2,3,4 of Article 26 of the Constitution. 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 Health watch, activities and responsibilities of District Health Rights Forum, and Youth, Netrokona.

After an extensive review, a 13-member Netrokona District Health Rights Forum was formed comprising one-third of women members in the opinion of the members present. Prof. Matindra Sarker was elected President and Mrs. Begum Rokeya was elected Secretary. Besides, a 21-member voluntary youth committee called District Health Rights Youth Forum was formed under the coordination of Md. Imran Ahmed.