The television series followed a widely popular radio programme on sexuality broadcast in 1996. This 15-episode weekly programme was the first joint initiative of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Overseas Development Agency (UK) and the BBC. The enthusiastic response of listeners to Sharir O Shamparka (Bodies and Relationships) indicated a huge need for sex and reproductive health education, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Listeners wrote in requesting more information on the human reproductive system and sex life. Previously they only had access to incomplete and misleading information through pornography. Students in Bangladesh do not receive sex education in the schools; informal discussions with older friends and family members on sex and reproductive issues are also restricted as social norms restrict young people from discussing sexuality. A great many misconceptions on sex and reproductive health prevail in Bangladeshi society, particularly among the adolescents. Given the success of the radio programme, FPAB therefore investigated the potential of television for introducing sex education.

In planning the programme, FPAB met resistance from Bangladesh Television (BTV). The BTV had to be persuaded to broadcast a programme that had sex as one of its components. Eventually BTV agreed to air the programme provided that taboo words were not used. They also recommended that adolescents and their parents should not share the same platform. They suggested that both parents and adolescents would be embarrassed. Despite the BTV's objections, the adolescents and their parents, teachers and others did appear on the same platform. FPAB reasoned that if parents and their children cannot face each other on different issues on TV, they will never be able to share their problems and thoughts at home.

Esita and the other adolescents shared their experiences of puberty and expressed their opinions on different issues concerning their lives. They identified their problems and inter-related social issues intelligently. Aware of the restrictions on the TV broadcasters, the young people diplomatically discussed topics traditionally taboo in the Bangladeshi social and cultural setting. Esita, for example, shared her experience of her first menstruation without once using the taboo word menstruation.

In preparing for the show, FPAB held many informal ice-breaking sessions to encourage the young people to talk freely about their personal experiences and not be intimidated by the show's format. Separate focus-group discussions held with the youth and stakeholders (parents, teachers, social scientists, etc.) also helped identify some of the problems they faced daily. One major complaint by the youth - that they are misunderstood by their parents - evoked an admission from the parents that this is true and that they need help in learning how to deal with their growing children.

During taping of the show, the technical crews were impressed with the content and issues that came up for discussion. They said: "we also have growing children at our homes but really we don't realize that our kids may think in different ways and that they have their own perspectives."

The issues raised by the adolescents and young adults are important. The health care system in Bangladesh emphasizes programmes for children under five years and maternal health. Adolescents gain access to health care only when they are married and enter the category of "eligible couple". The services therefore do not meet the fundamental health needs - mental, social or physical - of adolescents. One major suggestion of the talk shows was to introduce sex education in schools immediately.

The ability of the adolescents, young adults and different stakeholders to share their fears, worries, anxieties, feelings and opinions on television is expected to have a great impact on Bangladeshi society. Ultimately, the shows will help create a healthy social atmosphere in which young people and adults will be encouraged to interact. And the process gradually will help bring about positive behavioural changes and discourage harmful traditional practices.