Recently, NEARS has been registered as an independent entity for networking and advocating in favor of ASRHR issues and in this reporting quarter NEARS was officially launched at the CIRDAP International Conference center on 21st November 2017. Currently the network comprises of 64 members including NGOs, INGOs and Civil Society members who are working on ASRHR. The specific objectives of this launch were:

The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Guest Mr. Faiz Ahmed (Secretary, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) in the opening session and by Prof. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad (Director General of Health Services, DGHS) in the closing session. The opening sessions special guests were Dr. Kazi Mustafa Sarwar (Director General of Family Planning), Dr. Annie Vestjens (First Secretary-SRHR and Gender, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) and the closing sessions special guest was Dr. Md. Moudud Hossain (Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). Special remarks were given by Honorable Dr. Mohammed Sharif (Director, MCH Services & Line Director MCRAH, DGFP) and Dr. Mohammad Yousuf (Deputy Director & Program Manager, DGHS). The Guest of Honor was Mr. Masrurul Islam (Country Director, Marie Stopes Bangladesh) and the event was chaired by Dr. K.M. Rezaul Haque (President, NEARS). Furthermore, guests were present from several GoB sectors, NGOs, INGOs, development partners and donors. The total number of participants was 136, among them there were 50 female participants and 86 male participants. The event was highly successful with an active participation from both Government and NGO/INGOs, as well as other relevant sectors. The event prioritized adolescent needs and the network committed to work together for the adolescents’ betterment. In addition, a presentation on NEARS activities, a panel discussion and a TfD show was also performed.