NU calls for greater focus on mental health in education

The closing ceremony of a day-long workshop titled "Mental Health Awareness and Confidence Building of Students of Colleges Affiliated to the National University" was held today, 24 July 2025, at 4:00 PM at the University Women's Federation College in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, addressed the ceremony, emphasising the importance of student mental health as a key pillar of quality education. He stated, "There is no alternative to creating mental health awareness among students to ensure the quality of education. In the developed world, mental health education is given special emphasis alongside formal education."

The Vice-Chancellor outlined steps taken by the National University to improve the quality of education, noting that increasing mental health awareness among both teachers and students through training is one of the most vital measures. "Mentally healthy students can focus better on their studies, master new subjects more quickly, and actively participate in the learning process. Mental stress, anxiety, or depression disrupts students' attention and reduces their interest in learning, which hinders quality education," he said.

Professor Dr Amanullah further explained that the National University has undertaken several initiatives, including syllabus reform and ICT-based education, to equip students with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the modern world. He also mentioned that the university has recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several domestic and international organisations, including UNICEF, the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA), and a2i. These agreements aim to help students enhance their practical knowledge and skills, preparing them for the global job market.

Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Honourable Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, was present as a special guest at the closing ceremony. He praised the National University's efforts in creating mental health awareness, emphasising that mental well-being fosters creativity and critical thinking, which are essential for students' future success. "This initiative is timely and important," he said.

The workshop was conducted by Professor Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Course Coordinator from the Department of Clinical Psychology at Dhaka University, and Professor Robayet Ferdous, Resource Person from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, as well as Dr Faiza Ahmed, Senior Instructor at the Department of Child Psychology, Multidisciplinary Training Centre. The closing ceremony was organised by Salma Parveen, Director of the Department of Teacher Training, National University.

The workshop saw the participation of 160 students from various colleges affiliated with the National University, including University Women's Federation College, Ideal College, New Model Degree College, Dr Maleka College, and Mohammadpur Women's College. During the workshop, students gained practical strategies for managing stress, learned confidence-building exercises, and engaged in group discussions that helped them identify personal challenges and resources for support. At the end of the ceremony, certificates were distributed to the trainees by the invited guests and Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University.