Prime Minister Tareq Rahman commented that those suffering from mental health problems should not be neglected or isolated; instead, their words should be listened to attentively, they should be stood by, and necessary assistance should be ensured.
He made this call in a message delivered on Friday (October 9) in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026. The day will be observed tomorrow, Saturday (October 10).
The Prime Minister stated that merely appearing healthy or disease-free is not the complete definition of health. True health is the integrated state of physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Therefore, mental health should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Mentioning this year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, ‘Listen to Life’s Stories, Bring Real Change,’ he said that the theme highlights the importance of giving weight to people’s own experiences, feelings, and opinions in mental healthcare. The day will be observed with due importance in Bangladesh, as in other countries of the world.
Mental Health is Linked to Human Dignity and Well-being
Tareq Rahman stated that mental health is not merely a matter of treatment; it is deeply intertwined with individual dignity, and the overall well-being of families, society, and the state. Everyone must work collectively to eliminate the fear, shame, superstition, and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
He further added that attentively listening to the experiences and feelings of people suffering from mental health problems and accepting them with respect is a prerequisite for real change. The path to receiving necessary assistance must be made easier, without neglecting or isolating anyone.
Government Emphasizes Mental Health in Primary Healthcare
The Prime Minister said that the current government aims to build a healthcare system where mental peace, social security, and improvement in the quality of life receive equal importance alongside physical well-being.
He informed that to achieve this goal, the government is working to expand mental healthcare services at the upazila and primary healthcare levels, develop skilled personnel, establish an effective referral system, and extend technology-dependent counseling services.
The Prime Minister stated that mental health is a significant public health challenge worldwide. In Bangladesh too, a large number of people suffer from mental health problems. However, due to social stigma, lack of awareness, limited service opportunities, and a shortage of necessary personnel, many are deprived of proper treatment and support. To address this situation, various initiatives have been taken to increase the accessibility, quality, and capacity of mental healthcare services.
Initiatives to Expand Tele-Counseling and Training
Tareq Rahman stated that initiatives have been taken to expand integrated referral systems and tele-counseling at the upazila and district levels to deliver mental healthcare services to marginalized communities.
He mentioned that plans are in place to provide mental healthcare training to doctors working at the upazila level, enhance the capacity of mental health professionals in government hospitals, and train a large number of healthcare workers on this subject.
Additionally, the government is also emphasizing the mental health of pregnant mothers, the mental well-being of children and adolescents, and school-based mental healthcare.
Call for Collective Initiatives to Raise Awareness
Addressing mental health professionals, the Prime Minister said that they must listen to people’s concerns with sincerity and attention, stand by them with empathy, and strive to ensure necessary treatment and support.
At the same time, he emphasized raising awareness about mental health at all levels of society, including families, educational institutions, and the media.
Tareq Rahman stated that through the combined efforts of the government, health professionals, families, educational institutions, and society, it is possible to build a healthy Bangladesh where no one will feel hesitant to talk about mental health, ashamed to seek help, or consider themselves alone and neglected.
He further added that the government aims to build a welfare-oriented, safe, and humane Bangladesh where every individual will have the opportunity to lead a healthy and meaningful life with dignity, hope, and potential.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2026, the Prime Minister wished health and well-being to all people at home and abroad and wished for the overall success of the day.
