The convention titled 'National Adolescent Convention 2006' was organised by Jatiya Kishore-Kishori Sammilan 2006 Parishad at the initiative of a group of social development organisations and in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh on the Bawa (Bangladesh Women Association) School premises at the city's Dampara area.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdullah Al Noman underscored the need for policy formulation and taking measures to help the adolescents overcome the problems they face during the puberty period.

ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Shoyeb Siddiqui, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) Chief Executive Arifur Rahman, Ghashphul Executive Director Aftabur Rahman Zafree and Sammilan Parishad Convener Syed Akber Reza attended the inaugural ceremony as special guests.

Minister Noman in his speech observed that ignorance of changes that naturally take place among the adolescents during this transitional period of life results in mental and social crisis in the society.

However, the government is quite aware of the problem and the issue would be raised at the policy-making level for taking necessary steps soon, said the minister.

They said the needs of adolescent boys and girls were different from those of others.

But, neither the government nor the society has any initiative or measure to make the adolescent aware of the natural changes of puberty period and provide them with necessary healthcare, said the speakers.

They demanded formulation of necessary policy, campaign and education for the adolescents and emphasised the necessity of the government intervention into the matter.

Parishad Joint-convener Noori Akber Chowdhury read out the concept paper at the convention where over three hundred adolescents from different areas of the country participated.