DU Correspondent
A national seminar on “ Ensuring Quality Mental Health Services in Bangladesh ” was held on Tuesday at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium, jointly organized by the Department of Clinical Psychology, Dhaka University, Winrock International and Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society (BCPS). The seminar was organized on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
This year, the theme of the day was “ Lived Experienced Heard: Real voices, Real change ”. Dr. S. M. Zia Uddin Haider, Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Affairs, was the chief guest at the event, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Almojaddidi Alfesani, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, was present as the guest of honor.
Chairman of the Department of Clinical Psychology Dr. Md. Shahanur Hossain presided over the seminar, and Winrock International Country Representative Dipta Rakshit spoke as a special guest. President of Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society Prof Dr. M. Kamruzzaman Majumder presented the keynote address. Senior Public Health Officer of the World Health Organization Dr. Haruka Sakamoto participated in the discussion. Winrock International Senior Manager Sheikh Nazmul Islam described the practical experience of grassroots mental health services. Prof Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury of the Department of Clinical Psychology delivered the welcome address.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Professor Dr. Mohammad Almojaddidi Alfesani said that social communication, mutual responsibility and sense of responsibility are currently decreasing. People now dream of going to space but do not care about their neighbors.
Prime Minister’s Assistant on Health Dr. S. M. Zia Uddin Haider said that currently about 18 percent of adults and 13 percent of children are suffering from mental health problems.
