Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam on Sunday said that alongside healthcare services, social and economic crises such as poverty, unemployment, and future uncertainty must be tackled to ensure mental well-being.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar marking World Mental Health Day 2026 at Dhaka Ahsania Mission auditorium in Dhanmondi, he noted that government initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Loan Waiver, Family Card, and Farmers’ Card will help reduce the economic anxiety of vulnerable people.
The seminar was held under the theme “Listening to Life Experiences: True Words, True Change.”
He highlighted that poverty, unemployment, family stress, and social devaluation exert a negative impact on mental health.
To safeguard mental health, he called for promoting quality education, moral values, employment, and social empathy.
He stressed that keeping youth away from drug addiction requires not only treatment and rehabilitation, but also skill development and opportunities to become self-reliant.
The chief whip urged young people to build their capabilities and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.
He also advocated for establishing a culture of humane values, mutual respect, and supporting people in crisis across society.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs SM Ziauddin Hyder addressed the seminar as the special guest, while Professor Golam Rahman presided over the event.
The seminar was also attended by Professor Abu Tayab Abu Ahmed, National Institute of Mental Health Head and Director Saifunnahar Sumi, Health and Nutrition Sector Director Iqbal Masud, and Naila Parveen, alongside relevant experts and media representatives.
