| Press Release: “Transforming Lives, Shaping Futures”—under this year’s anniversary theme, the Population Services and Training Center (PSTC) celebrated its 48th Founding Anniversary on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, with a day-long program at the PSTC Conference Hall in Dhaka.
The celebration brought together distinguished guests from the Government of Bangladesh, development partners, civil society, and current and former PSTC staff members to commemorate nearly five decades of PSTC’s contribution to public health, family planning, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), youth leadership, women’s empowerment, gender equality, adolescent development, climate resilience, and the inclusion of marginalized communities. The anniversary also reaffirmed PSTC’s commitment to advancing public health, human dignity, and sustainable development.
The event was graced by Hon. Ms. Farzana Sharmin, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she described the anniversary theme as both timely and meaningful, emphasizing PSTC’s significant contribution to improving people’s quality of life and supporting Bangladesh’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She commended PSTC for its longstanding humanitarian and social development initiatives and wished the organization continued success in strengthening public health and SRHR in Bangladesh.
The Special Guest, Dr. Mohammed Jakaria, Director General (Secretary), NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office, praised PSTC’s 48-year journey of trust, dedication, and service, highlighting its contributions to health, family planning, education, women’s empowerment, adolescent development, skills development, climate resilience, and the well-being of marginalized communities. He expressed confidence that PSTC would continue to expand its impact through innovation and strategic partnerships.
The event was also attended by Mr. Shah Mohammad Mahbub, Additional Secretary and Director General, Department of Social Services, as Special Guest. The anniversary celebration was chaired by Mr. Md. Badrul Munir, FCMA, Treasurer of PSTC, while Dr. Noor Mohammad, Executive Director of PSTC, coordinated the overall program.
The celebration began with the ceremonial inauguration by the Honorable State Minister, followed by the screening of a documentary showcasing PSTC’s achievements and future vision.
As part of the anniversary, PSTC also hosted a special webinar titled “A Journey of Progress,” featuring Sanjeeda Islam, Chairperson of PSTC; Manish Mitra, IPPF South Asia Region; Dr. Khalid Hasan, CEO of ResInt Canada and President of the ResInt Sustainability Institute; and Sabik Rahman, Member Secretary of NaYoN and Co-Vice Chair of SARYN. Moderated by Dr. Noor Mohammad, the discussion reflected on PSTC’s achievements, partnerships, and future directions. The celebration concluded with a reunion of current and former staff members, experience sharing, and cultural performances.
Marking this important milestone, PSTC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights, dignity, equality, and sustainable development for all, while continuing to transform lives and shape a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous future through innovation, partnerships, and people-centered development.
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