Moner Bondhu Hosts Webinar on 'Prioritizing Youth Mental Health in the Current Scenario of Bangladesh'

Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 17, 2024: 

Following the recent conclusion of a nationwide student protest in Bangladesh, the mental health of the country's youth has become a critical issue demanding immediate attention. Recognizing this urgency, Moner Bondhu organized a special webinar series titled "Prioritizing Youth Mental Health in the Current Scenario of Bangladesh."

The webinar convened a diverse panel of experts, including Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; Sonia Mehzabeen, Country Coordinator, UNV Bangladesh; Fahim Mashroor, Managing Director, Bdjobs.com; Prof. Dr. Mahjabeen Haque, Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, University of Dhaka; Prof. Kamal Chowdhury, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Dhaka; Prof. Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, National Institute of Mental Health, Bangladesh; Raihan Ferdaus, Senior Reporter, Jamuna Television; Bushra Mahmuda, Psychotherapist, Moner Bondhu; Tawhida Shiropa, Founder and CEO, Moner Bondhu; and Dr. M. Tasdik Hasan, Research Scientist, Moner Bondhu & PhD Fellow (Digital Mental Health), Monash University.  

Enriching the discussion, four students from various universities and a guardian also participated, offering valuable insights and personal experiences. Students shared their trauma and anxiety in the aftermath of this movement. Md. Abu Bakr Shiddikee, a student from Jagannath University said, "I am still not prepared to go back to my classes and focus on my studies."

Another student from BRAC University, Ishmam Suhrawardy said, "I can't focus on my studies anymore. Witnessing the injuries and suffering of my classmates, both juniors and seniors, during the protests has deeply affected me. I constantly worry about myself and my peers. Even the smallest noises trigger flashbacks and make me tremble. It's becoming increasingly difficult to return to normal life. We desperately need professional mental health support."

One of the senior reporters of Jamuna Television who was on the field as an investigative journalist, Mr. Raihan Ferdaus mentioned, “During this movement, I saw people getting injured, even killed, right before my eyes. I couldn’t return home on those days and stayed at the office, overwhelmed by the mental strain. Going beyond my professionality, on one occasion, I personally drove two injured youths to the hospital. I have witnessed many horrifying incidents and encountered a strong, emotional generation that urgently needs our support.” 

Sufia Khan, mother to a student activist from Jahangirnagar University said, “My son was actively involved in the movement, and during that time, I was consumed by worry for him and the others. Constant calls inquiring about his safety disrupted my sleep. Even the slightest noise would jolt me awake, fearing the worst. I would fear what if someone comes to look for my son or arrest him.”

Key recommendations shared by the attendees: 

1. Prioritizing Mental Well-being: Professional mental healthcare services are essential for addressing the prevalent issues of stress, trauma, and anxiety among students. These services should be designed to equip individuals with the tools to cope with their experiences and rebuild their lives. The recent movement has had a profound impact on the mental health of various segments of society. It is imperative to provide accessible and comprehensive mental healthcare services to students, injured individuals, and journalists affected by the events. Even those on the frontlines of providing mental health support, such as counselors, require care to prevent burnout and secondary trauma.

2. Combating Misinformation: Addressing the pervasive issue of misinformation is vital to preventing further chaos and division. By promoting critical thinking and media literacy, we can equip young people to discern fact from fiction.

3. Prioritizing agency and voice of young people: It is essential to cultivate a culture that values youth agency and voice. By investing in youth development programs,educational initiatives, and mentorship opportunities, we can equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to become effective agents of change.

4. Building Partnerships and Fostering Research: Collaborating with youth as partners in the mental health recovery process is essential to developing effective interventions. Youth-led mental health research can provide valuable insights into their experiences and needs.

5. Leveraging the power of social media can be instrumental in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support. However, it is crucial to use social media responsibly and ethically.

6. Mentorship programs can offer guidance and support to young people as they navigate the challenges of post-movement life. Skill-oriented job guidance can help them identify their strengths and pursue meaningful career paths.

7. By implementing these strategies, we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health, empowers youth, and fosters resilience.

Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, said, “It is crucial to uphold the rights of youth to express their agency and voice, opinions and participate actively in societal issues. By fostering a platform for youth voices, we empower them to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, Professor, National Institute of Mental Health, mentioned, “It's understandable to experience trauma in such circumstances. Trauma should not be ignored. It is a natural human response to adverse experiences. However, we must be vigilant about the potential for these experiences to develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Addressing this issue proactively will be crucial in the coming days.”

Fahim Masroor, Managing Director, Bdjobs.com, also said, “I am concerned about what the future holds in the next 2-3 years. If we, the older generation, fail to adapt and harness this energy, it would be a great loss. Without proper guidance, the new generation may become frustrated and disillusioned. It’s crucial that we channel their leadership potential and embrace the changes they demand.”

The event focused on the unique mental health challenges faced by young people and the broader community in Bangladesh during and after the nationwide student protest. Discussions emphasized the importance of supporting youth in regaining emotional well-being and returning to their daily routines. Through their emotional and personal narratives, the four students and guardians provided a powerful lens into the real-world impact of the protest on mental health.

This webinar series is a testament to Moner Bondhu's ongoing commitment to addressing mental health concerns across Bangladesh in the wake of the student protest.