World Population Day-2018 will be observed today across the country as elsewhere in the world with a call to develop nations with family planning and empowering people. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of global population issues -challenges, and opportunities available to address the same. The day seeks attention and action of the governments, policy-makers, academics, experts, NGOs and individuals.
The theme of the day – Family Planning is a Human Right – aims at providing safe, voluntary family planning.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque called upon all concerned to create awareness of the adolescent health and child marriage.
He made the call while addressing a press conference on the eve of the World Population Day at Family Planning Bhaban, 6, Kawran Bazar in the city. “Our government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received MDG (Millennium Development Goal) Award in 2010 for successfully reducing maternity mortality rate,” the state minister said. He said the government is committed to a new sustainable development agenda built on the principles of equity and human rights. To achieve the target, he said, adolescent health care is essential. Maleque said the government has been implementing different initiatives for providing advanced education to make them efficient citizens. To observe the day, elaborate programmes have been taken to create awareness among the people. The programme includes rallies and discussions. The main function of the day will be held at Osmani Memorial Hall in the city at 10:30 am. Speaker of the Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury is expected to attend the function as the chief guest. A colorful procession will be brought out from in front of National Museum at 8:30 am today. It would end at Osmani Memorial Hall after parading through different streets in the capital. Besides, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels will air special programmes while special supplements will be published in different national dailies.
In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that 11 July would be observed by the international community as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.
