With the slogan “We want equality, accountability and participation in improving the quality of Healthcare” Bagerhat District Health Rights Forum formation and Orientation meeting was held at 11:00 A.M at Dhanshiri conference hall in Bagerhat districts. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mukharjee Rabindranath, and was attended by Executive Director of Rupanta Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khokon, dignitaries of the district, civil society and youth leaders. As representative of Bangladesh Health Watch Secretariat Mr. Rajesh Adhikari, Programme Officer (Networking and Liaison), and Mr. Morshed Alam, Programme Officer (Networking and Liaison) attended the event.

At the very onset of the meeting, Participants introduced themselves. Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khokon and Mr. Rajesh Adhikari conveyed their welcome speech on behalf of Rupantar and Bangladesh Health Watch respectively.

Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khokon expressed his gratitude to BHW for choosing Bagerhat district as one of a working area. He wished success of the Health Rights Forum and Youth Forum for Health Rights.

Mr. Rajesh Adhikari 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 Healthwatch. Mr. Morshed Alam informed and discussed future activities, plan and responsibilities of District Health Rights Forum and Youth for Health, Bagerhat.

After an extensive review, a 13-member Bagerhat District Health Rights Forum was formed comprising one-third women members in the opinion of the members present. Advocate Shah Alam Tuku was elected as President and Mrs. Ferhana Akhter and Mr. Mukharjee Rabindranath were elected as Vice President of the forum. Alamgir Hossain Miru was elected Secretary on behalf of Host organization. Besides, it is decided that Upazila health rights forum of Saronkhola upazila, a voluntary youth forum named Health Rights Youth Forum will be formed at both district and Sarankhola upazila in this month.

On September 15, 2020 a launching meeting of the said District Health Rights Forum was held at DC conference hall at Bagerhat. District Commissioner Md. Azizur Rahman attended the meeting as chief guest while ADC (General) Khandokar Mohammad Rizaul Rarim and Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Md. Mirazul Karim attended the meeting as special guest. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Shah Alam Tuku, President of Bagerhat DHRF.

 Chief guest, special guest and all participant expressed their expectation on an active role of DHRF and the youth forum that will work for ensuring equality, accountability and participation in improving the quality of healthcare service in Bagerhat.