Dhaka: University Grants Commission (UGC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have initiated a program to provide mental health treatment to 10,000 students from 22 universities who have been experiencing trauma following the July anti-discrimination student movement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the mental health support will be offered under the Social and Mental Health Protection Project, targeting students from selected universities in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna. The initiative aims to help students return to their normal lives and focus on their education. UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, who chaired the project implementation committee meeting, emphasized the importance of providing counseling services to students affected by the movement.
The meeting, which included university teachers, student coordinators, and UNESCO officials, concluded with a decision to prepare a framework for the project within the current month. This framework will include input from student representatives from private universities and ensure counseling services are tailored to students’ needs. Professor Hossain highlighted the severe trauma experienced by students who participated in the movement and stressed the need for counseling to aid their recovery.
Dhaka University Professor Mahjabeen Haque noted that many students are experiencing psychological distress, particularly those who participated in processions and suffered injuries during the mass uprising. She advocated for trauma therapy and additional treatment support for these students, many of whom face disabilities that have left them anxious about their futures.
Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, pointed out that while some assistance was provided, government efforts have not significantly impacted students’ mental health. She highlighted the need for increased focus on the mental well-being of private university students, who resumed classes and exams shortly after the movement.
Student coordinator Tarekul Islam suggested expanding the program to include colleges under the National University to ensure comprehensive support for all affected students.