Nearly 10,000 students at Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) have no access to permanent professional mental-health support, as the university has yet to appoint a psychiatrist or counsellor.
Although departments have student advisers and the university medical centre treats physical illnesses, neither provides specialist counselling nor dedicated mental-health care.
Students said academic pressure, examination results, job preparation, family and financial problems, personal relationships and uncertainty about the future were among the main causes of mental stress.
According to the youth-led social organisation Aachol Foundation, 403 students from universities and other higher education institutions across the country died by suicide in 2025. More than 20 per cent of them were public university students.
Against this backdrop, the need for mental-health services at universities has received growing attention. GSTU, however, has yet to introduce a permanent counselling service.
GSTU Medical Officer Likhan Chandra Bala said students frequently came to the university medical centre with various problems, but its ability to support them was limited beyond providing primary treatment.
“The university needs psychiatrists and psychologists. Mental health is also very important. Students need someone who can give them time, listen to them and provide the necessary support,” he added.
As a result, students facing mental-health difficulties must seek specialist help outside the university, while many may hesitate to discuss their problems openly.
Sanjida Kabir, chairperson of the university’s Department of Psychology, said students faced a range of challenges after entering university, including pressure related to their studies, family, future and personal matters.
“We have informed the university administration about this several times. The issue is very important because excessive mental stress can push a student towards making a wrong or difficult decision,” she added.
Gazi Mahbub, associate professor and director of the university’s Student Counselling and Guidance Office, said there was currently no post for a psychiatrist or professional counsellor at the university.
“There are some administrative complications in creating new posts and making appointments. However, if students want, the issue can be discussed with the administration,” he said.
He added that departmental student advisers were available for students to share their problems and concerns.
Several students said mental-health problems should be treated as seriously as physical illnesses, calling for a dedicated counselling room, confidential consultations and a referral system for psychiatrists or clinical psychologists when needed.
