The North South University celebrated World Mental Health Day 2025 with a poster presentation and a panel discussion, highlighting youth mental health awareness, at the NSU in Dhaka on Monday.
The department of public health of NSU and the NSU Counseling and Wellbeing Centre supported by the NSU Public Health and Science Club celebrated day, said a press release.
The panel discussion titled Youth Mental Health: Challenges and Chances addressed university students鈥� mental health challenges, needs and the actions required to support their wellbeing.
The event was attended by several prominent mental health professionals and public health experts.
The panellists included keynote speaker Dr Ishakul Kabir, programme officer of NCD and mental health of WHO country office Bangladesh; Professor Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman, director of National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital; Professor Dr Nazmul Hossain, director general of Directorate General of Medical Education; Professor Abdul Khaleque, proctor, NSU; and Dr SM Saidur Rahman Mashreky, associate professor of public health department, NSU.
Professor Abdur Rob Khan, treasurer and pro-vice-chancellor (IC) of North South University chaired the session.
In his keynote speech, Dr Ishakul Kabir stressed the importance of youth mental health awareness in both a global and a local aspect.
He talked about the stigma that revolves around mental health, stating, 鈥榃e feel comfortable talking about physical illnesses but we feel ashamed to talk about any mental health issue.鈥�
Professor Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman reflected on the current status of mental health services present in the country and addressed the resource gaps that existed in them.
Dr SM Saidur Rahman Mashreky explained different factors effecting mental health condition.
Professor Dr Abdul Khaleque explained the neuro-chemical basis of mental health issues.
Professor Dr Nazmul Hossain addressed the government鈥檚 mental health policy, action plan and future activities to ensure youth mental well-being, stressing the importance to preserve self-confidence and to always have good intentions.
Professor Abdur Rob Khan expressed the concern and compassion of the university for the students鈥� mental health and wellbeing.聽
The poster presentation exhibition titled, Access to Services 鈥� Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies, took place at the NSU Plaza with participation from undergraduate and graduate students.
