From Participation to Power: Bangladesh’s First National Youth Council on SRHR Takes Shape

Imagine a national council on SRHR made up of the young force endorsed by the Government itself! The idea is now a reality.

Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society (BMSS), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,  has officially launched the first-ever National Youth Council on Population, Development, and SRHR in Bangladesh. This is a pioneering initiative for the institutionalisation of youth leadership and structured youth engagement in national SRHR and population-related agendas.

The BMMS is a non-profit, national organisation representing medical students across Bangladesh, acting as a recognised member of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) to develop future health leaders through training, advocacy, research, and community health projects, focusing on holistic well-being and global health issues.

The National Youth Council will act as an innovative youth governance mechanism, directly engaging young people with the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UN agencies, NGOs, CSOs, academic bodies, and youth networks.

BMMS is inviting any Bangladeshi youth between the ages of 18-29 to apply. A total of 25-30 members will be selected for a one-year term, renewable based on performance.

The Council Seeks Members from a diverse periphery of youths from rural communities and urban slums, indigenous communities, faith-based youths from Madrasah or a religious background, and climate-vulnerable areas. Furthermore, NGO/CSO Youth Leaders, Youth with Disability and Youth from humanitarian or migrant-hosting areas are also encouraged to apply. 

Applicants are required to submit:

• A 1-page Motivation Letter (Arial 11, A4)
• A CV (max 2 pages)
• The Application Form
• At least one letter of recommendation from an endorsing institution

Interested individuals can apply here: https://forms.gle/V16HRBtAYFpDr5T78

Deadline: 17 December 2025, 11:00 PM

Initiatives like the Youth Council will be the key to ensuring diverse, equitable, and meaningful participation of young people in the national mechanism. Share-Net Bangladesh encourages its young members to apply for this wonderful opportunity. 

Source: Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society