Dhaka: Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman announced that the government is actively working to enhance and strengthen mental health support for victims of the July Uprising. He made these remarks during a workshop focused on the mental health development of July fighters, organized by the Bangladesh Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the institute located in the capital’s Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Md. Saidur Rahman highlighted the enduring trauma experienced by thousands who participated in the July mass uprising, noting that many injured individuals continue to receive advanced medical treatment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive mental healthcare to ensure full recovery and mental self-reliance for each person affected by the uprising.
Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafor, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), added that with support from the National Institute of Ophthalmology and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), 40 victims have been sent abroad for advanced treatment. He commended HRDC for its initiative and expressed hope for the continuation of such humanitarian support in the future.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Kamal Akbar, CEO of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, discussed the current focus on a limited number of victims and stressed the importance of rehabilitation from trauma and depression for all 12,454 victims. He called for research to identify key challenges in implementing effective rehabilitation programs.
During the workshop, the mother of journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo advocated against stigmatizing mentally ill individuals, urging that mental illness should be treated like any other physical ailment requiring appropriate medical care. Victims of the uprising shared their experiences, calling for treatment, rehabilitation, inclusion, and dignity.
The workshop aimed to bolster mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for the victims and their families. Mahbubur Rahman Bashir, father of martyr Mahmudur Rahman Saikat, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing HRDC’s moral obligation to support the victims.
HRDC Secretary and CEO Md. Mahbul Haque welcomed participants, while Md. Jianur Kabir, Director of HRDC, presented data on mental health issues stemming from the uprising. Anders B. Carlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting mental health, psychosocial assistance, and rehabilitation programs for conflict-affected individuals in Bangladesh, expressing pride in Denmark’s supportive role in the country’s journey toward democracy, healing, and development. Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Director of NIMH, chaired the program.