Dhaka:A chess competition was held at Dhaka University, jointly organized by the Brighter Tomorrow Foundation (BTF) and the Dhaka University Chess Club (DUCC), in celebration of World Mental Health Day 2026.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event, titled 'BTF-DUCC FIDE Rapid Rated Chess Championship 2026,' took place at the university's Teacher-Student Centre with approximately 100 students from various schools, colleges, and universities participating. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health among young people while promoting intellectual development and positive thinking.
The competition featured two categories university and school-college, with prizes awarded to the top 10 players in each category based on their scores and final standings. The prize-giving and closing ceremony was presided over by Joyshree Zaman, Founding President of Brighter Tomorrow Foundation.
The event was attended by notable figures including Bangladesh Chess Federation Vice-President and DIG Dr. Shoeb Reaz Alam, Senior Joint Secretary and FIDE Master Mehedi Hasan Parag, mental health specialist Dr. Farzana Rahman, Inner Wheel Club of Lobelia President Sajeda Akter, and DUCC President Fariha Sumona. DUCC General Secretary Md Sajidul Islam moderated the program.
During the event, Dr. Farzana Rahman emphasized the role of chess in maintaining mental well-being and improving brain function, noting how regular practice enhances concentration, thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and decision-making capacity.
In her address, Joyshree Zaman highlighted the necessity of sports, recreation, and cultural activities for mental health, stressing the importance of creating a healthy and positive environment to reduce depression. She advocated for greater support for intellectual games like chess and encouraged thoughtful decision-making akin to strategic chess moves.
Zaman also urged students to reject suicide and depression, advocating for mental resilience and encouraging them to share their emotional distress with others rather than keeping it bottled up.