Bangladesh President Calls for Compassion and Better Mental Health Care
Published : 10:35, 10 October 2026
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for compassion and respect towards people experiencing mental health problems, stressing the importance of family and community support in ensuring access to appropriate care.
In a message issued on Friday ahead of World Mental Health Day 2026, observed on Saturday, October 10, the president welcomed initiatives to mark the day in Bangladesh. He urged both public and private organisations to strengthen mental health awareness programmes at healthcare centres and educational institutions.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Listen to Life, Bring Real Change,” the president said it was important to listen carefully to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and incorporate their views into policymaking and service planning.
He noted that mental health is an essential component of overall wellbeing, productivity and quality of life. Economic uncertainty, social instability, loneliness, substance addiction, family difficulties and workplace pressures can all affect people’s mental wellbeing. Mental health, he said, deserves the same attention as physical health.
The president said the government had undertaken initiatives to bring mental health services closer to the public, including efforts to integrate such services into primary healthcare.
He also highlighted the role of families and communities in identifying mental health problems and helping affected individuals receive appropriate treatment.
Emphasising the need for public awareness, he urged people to seek evidence-based medical care instead of relying on unscientific practices such as spiritual healing rituals. He also called for greater understanding and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
The president expressed hope that collective efforts would continue to build a mentally healthy, aware and productive nation. He also wished success for all programmes organised to observe World Mental Health Day 2026.
