A vast majority of individuals experiencing mental health challenges in Bangladesh remain deprived of essential care and medical support. Due to persistent social stigma, lack of awareness, and an acute shortage of professionals, this crisis is becoming increasingly acute among youth and women. In this context, experts have called for community-based healthcare interventions and grassroots-level awareness to safeguard mental health, a press release said.
A special discussion titled “Youth and Women’s Mental Health: Crises and Way Forward” was organized by Ogrojatra Nari Forum on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026, at the forum’s Secretariat office.
The event was moderated by Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator of Earth Development Foundation. Presided over by Zakia Shishir, Convener of Ogrojatra Nari Forum, the keynote paper was presented by prominent Psychologist Keka Adhikari. Speeches were delivered by Aminul Islam Bokul, Chief Executive of Earth Development Foundation, and Mehnaz Mala, Member Secretary of Ogrojatra Nari Forum, alongside other members of the forum.
In her keynote address, Psychologist Keka Adhikari highlighted that young people and women are enduring severe mental distress exacerbated by digital addiction, domestic stress, bullying, and social stigma. Regrettably, approximately 92% of adults and 95% of children and adolescents facing mental health complications in the country do not receive proper treatment.
Echoing this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the speakers stressed that the lived experiences of affected individuals must be listened to and integrated into national healthcare policies. Pointing out that only a negligible portion of the national health budget is allocated to mental health, they strongly demanded the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare at district and upazila levels, public awareness campaigns against stigma, and social support frameworks for suicide prevention.
In her concluding remarks, Convener Zakia Shishir remarked, “Mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right and a core component of human dignity. To ensure both physical and mental well-being for our youth and women, families, society, and the government must collaborate hand in hand.”
