Sex issue Through a Bangladeshi Eye

Sex is a topic often kept secret in Bangladesh. Most people are not comfortable discussing it, as the socio-cultural structure of the country discourages open discourse on this matter. This is largely because Bangladesh is a nation deeply rooted in religious values—both among Muslims and Hindus—and people are expected to conform to societal norms and values. However, it is important to understand that sex is not a vulgar topic; rather, it is a matter of education and awareness. In recent years, AIDS has become a significant public health issue. One of the primary causes of AIDS is linked to unsafe sexual practices. I remember when I was in school, there were songs about AIDS broadcast in the media. However, they failed to clearly explain how AIDS is transmitted or what precautions people should take. Instead, awareness campaigns depicted a man in a wheelchair, covered in a white cloth, with a black cat nearby, and no one around to help him. As a child, I mistakenly believed the black cat caused AIDS. Thankfully, the media’s approach has changed over time. Now, campaigns emphasize the message: “If you want to live, you have to know.” The media is playing an important role in raising awareness. However, these efforts remain confined to the media and have not yet penetrated the family space. Many families still switch off the television or change the channel when advertisements or discussions related to sex or AIDS are aired, believing such content is harmful for teenagers. This is problematic because adolescence is a crucial period of physical and mental development. Teenagers need a clear understanding of relationships and sexual health. Unfortunately, many children and teenagers in Bangladesh become victims of sexual harassment but are unable to share their experiences with their parents, who often consider sex a taboo subject. In contrast, some foreign countries include sex education as a formal part of their school curriculum. Even in India, sensitive topics are discussed in schools. In Bangladesh, however, schools avoid these issues entirely, leaving the younger generation uninformed and vulnerable. As a result, many young people lack an understanding of what is right or wrong and fall prey to exploitation. For instance, video game shops often expose children to sexual content, and many teenagers become addicted to pornography, which negatively affects their lives. I believe this also contributes to the rising addiction to drugs like “Yaba.” Family upbringing plays a critical role in shaping attitudes toward these issues. Yet, the societal perception that boys and girls are fundamentally different often reinforces harmful stereotypes from a young age. This perception, coupled with limited guidance, leads to destructive behaviors among teenagers, including addiction to pornography and casual attitudes toward unhealthy relationships. This situation must change. Society and family systems need to evolve to address these challenges. Media can play a pivotal role by disseminating educational programs, dramas, and news targeted at teenagers. Schools should also employ counselors to provide students with proper guidance on these topics. Despite the current challenges, I remain hopeful that this situation will improve. Change takes time, but with consistent effort, a more informed and open society can be achieved.