Introduction The social context of Bangladesh does not permit adolescents to discuss reproductive health topics as well as sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS openly with their parents, teachers, or other senior members of the community.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study to investigate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and views on HIV testing before marrying migrant workers among rural grade 11 and 12 students in Bangladesh.

Results A total of 92 students completed anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The average age of the students was 16.8 ± 0.9 years. All the students had heard about AIDS before they complete the questionnaire. Media (75%) was the main source of information. Overall, students had average knowledge regarding selected aspects of HIV/AIDS. A high (>73%) proportion of students were conversant with the major modes of spread of HIV. Many misconceptions were still noted relating to HIV/AIDS, 40% believing that healthy looking person cannot be infected with HIV, 27% and 25% believing that coughing and sneezing and mosquito bites spread AIDS respectively. Majority (75%) of the students indicated that they would not ask to do HIV test before marriage and amongst them more than a quarter reasoned as it might lead to break the marriage/marriage might not take place.

Conclusion The knowledge level seems to be low and misconceptions about the routes of transmission were common. It is recommended that strategies for adolescents AIDS risk reduction be developed in Bangladeshi high schools.

Disclosure of interest statement There is nothing to declare.