''The government should create a supportive policy'' – Dr. Jahir Uddin Ahmed

Sohel Rana of The Daily Star had a heart to heart talk with Dr. Jahir Uddin Ahmed on the aspects of SRHR (Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights), what does it mean and where do we stand today with regard to their realization by the target population. The excerpts are given below.  

In response to the question, what is SRHR, Dr. Ahmed said that sexuality is the behavioral aspects of human beings; how the people behave about his or her feelings, emotions, choice, and freedom related to marriage, taking children after marriage, above all, freedom of choice. So these types of behaviors are known as sexuality.

“What is meant by Reproductive health?” In response he said,  “It is defined as the health of the people which is known as physical, mental, psychological, social or spiritual wellbeing of human being. If these four words  are properly maintained and followed we call it 'Reproductive Health'. Reproductive health again has 8 components: safe motherhood, family planning, maternal nutrition, adolescent reproductive health, infertility, neo-natal health, unsafe abortion, prevention or protection from diseases like HIV and other diseases. These rights must include the people who are disabled, marginalized, displaced due to natural calamities, wars, lack of works etc. Even the minority will enjoy these rights.”

Is it possible for the adolescents to demand for the rights without knowing what their rights are?

Dr. Ahmed: “It's impossible. About 23% of the population are adolescents in our country. It is a huge number. They are the future leaders of our country. They must not be ignored in any way. They should be properly guided on these issues which are censored in our society. They should be made aware of their health as well as their rights. Experts should be assigned to train up these people from the Upazila level. In this regard, government should be forthcoming to solve these issues. It is important to inform you that sexual rights are human rights according to International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Sexual rights are constituted by a set of entitlements related to sexuality that emanate from the rights to freedom, equality, privacy, autonomy, integrity and dignity of all people. The ten sexual rights are:
* Rights to equality, equal protection of the law and freedom from all forms of discrimination based on sex, sexuality or gender.
* The rights to participation for all persons, regardless of sex, sexuality or gender
* The rights to life, liberty, security of the person and bodily integrity
*  Rights to privacy
* Rights to personal autonomy and recognition before the law
*  Rights to freedom of thoughts, opinion and expression; rights to association
* Rights to health and to the benefits of scientific progress
* Rights to education and information
* Rights to choose whether or not to marry and to found and plan a family, and to decide whether or not, how and when, to have children
*  Rights to accountability and redress  
Another important issue is Sexual Rights: An IPPF Declaration provides a clear framework within which the Member Associations can understand their responsibilities as service providers. They will be better equipped to begin or extend their work on improving access to all, and thereby enable their clients to fully realize their sexual and reproductive rights.

What would be your suggestion, sir?

My suggestion is that the government should create an overall supportive policy and legal environment to promote adolescent reproductive health. Because the constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights for men and women irrespective of caste, creed and colour. All citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law. Media can play a vital role in this regard by reporting on the happenings which are not lawful.”  

Dr. Jahir Uddin Ahmed is a physician. He is former DG, FPAB (IPPF), former Director, DGFP (MoHFW), former consultant USAID, EH and WHO.