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boys, or 34 percent, were unaware that pregnancy is possible after the onset of menstruation, compared with 16 percent of girls.

Knowledge of family planning methods was also limited. While 84 percent of boys had heard of condoms, only 45 percent of girls were aware of them. Similarly, 38 percent of boys knew about emergency contraceptive pills, compared with just four percent of girls.

Researchers noted a link between reproductive health knowledge and later outcomes. Girls who had knowledge of family planning before marriage were less likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy than those without such knowledge, with the rates standing at five percent and 10 percent, respectively.

During the study period, nearly 200 girls got married and 72 became pregnant.

Speaking at the event, Professor Dr Farhana Dewan, former president of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh, said social stigma often prevents adolescent girls, particularly in rural areas, from discussing menstrual problems.

She said untreated menstrual health issues could adversely affect girls’ education and future wellbeing.

Syed Md Nuruddin, adviser on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at Plan International, stressed the need for targeted awareness programmes to prevent child marriage and called for greater investment in girls’ education.

Dr Md Manjur Hossain, assistant director of the MCH Service Unit at DGFP, said the DGFP is working to incorporate pre-marital counselling into its curriculum.

Dr Asif Iqbal, assistant director for School Health at DGHS, said the government is developing an “Adolescent Friendly Local Body” initiative at the upazila level to improve access to health services for young people.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr Fauzia Akhter Huda, scientist at icddr,b.