A 24-month icddr,b study of 1,255 girls aged 12–16 in Rajbari found that 64% experience menstrual disorders, with dysmenorrhoea affecting 56%. Nearly 40% said pain disrupts daily activities, and one in four missed school. The study also found 34% of boys were unaware pregnancy can occur after menstruation, compared to 16% of girls. Researchers noted girls with pre-marriage family planning knowledge had lower unplanned pregnancy rates. Experts called for awareness programmes and greater investment in girls' education.