Experts have emphasized the urgent need to set up mental health support centers at every university across the country to protect students’ social and mental well-being.
They made the call while speaking at a workshop held on Monday at the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) auditorium to validate the findings of the 'Rapid Needs Assessment' report under the ongoing Social and Mental Health Protection Project.
UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain attended the event as the chief guest. UGC member Professor Dr. Masuma Habib was present as a special guest. Among the panelists were Professor Md. Mahmudur Rahman of International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) and Professor Dr. Saiful Islam of the Development Studies Department at the University of Dhaka.
At the workshop, Professor Dr. Shafiqun Nahin Shimul from the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka presented the Rapid Needs Assessment report.
In his speech, Professor Anwar Hossain said the Social and Mental Health Protection Project was launched to help students overcome depression and other mental health challenges. He mentioned that under this project, mental health support is currently being provided to around 10,000 students across different universities.
Professor Masuma Habib noted that more research is needed to understand the real situation of students' social and mental well-being in universities and to design effective interventions.
The event was moderated by Jesmin Parvin, Director (Current Charge) of UGC’s International Collaboration Division. Teachers from 22 universities, UGC officials, and representatives from UNESCO participated in the workshop.
It is worth mentioning that the UGC and UNESCO jointly launched the 'Social and Mental Health Protection' project with awareness activities planned for July and August. The Rapid Needs Assessment was conducted to identify the social and mental health needs of students.
