Challenges and Opportunities for School-based Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: A Qualitative Study with Bangladeshi Islamic Leaders

Abstract BackgroundIt has been argued that Islamic leaders’ views are of utmost importance to designing a comprehensive sexual education (CSE) curriculum. Therefore, this study explored how Islamic leaders in Bangladesh present, argue for and against, and negotiate views on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education for adolescents. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Imams using thematic analysis. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, specifically the capital, Dhaka, as well as several rural villages in the Cumilla district.ResultsWe found three main themes 1) appropriate topics for SRH education, 2) appropriate methods for SRH education, and 3) conservative versus progressive views. ConclusionWe conclude that Islamic leaders seemed willing to try finding ways to support more comprehensive and liberal SRH education if they would be encouraged by reflective and inclusive dialogue. This study presents an empirically grounded opportunity for policy makers to consider the future role for religious leaders in the provision of SRH in Bangladesh.