10,000 July uprising victims to get mental health support

Mental health support will be provided to 10,000 students from 22 public and private universities, who were affected by violence during the July-August movement.

The support will be provided under a joint initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and UNESCO.

Under the project titled 'Social and Mental Health Protection,' efforts will be made to help students from selected universities in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Khulna regions return to normal life and fully focus on their education.

It was stated at a project implementation committee (PIC) meeting held at the UGC conference room yesterday, according to a press release issued today (12 February).

UGC member Prof Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain presided over the meeting with participation of university teachers, student coordinators and UNESCO officials.

During the meeting, it was decided that counseling services would be provided based on students' needs, a framework for implementation would be developed within the current month, and student representatives from private universities would also be included in the initiative.

Prof Hossain said students who joined the July-August revolution are suffering from severe trauma.

"Providing counseling services is crucial to help them recover. Ensuring their mental well-being and building an environment of trust can help overcome this crisis," he said.

Dhaka University Professor Mahjabeen Haque said many injured students are experiencing psychological distress.

There is a risk of mental disorders among those who took part in the mass uprising, she said.

Prof Haque said many students who participated in the mass uprising suffered severe injuries, losing limbs, eyesight, or facing other disabilities, leaving them anxious about their uncertain future.

"A collective initiative is needed to address their trauma," she stressed.

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement spokesperson Umama Fatema said public university students received some assistance, but private universities resumed classes and examinations soon after the movement without addressing trauma of the students.

She asked for giving importance to the mental health of private university students.

Umama Fatema suggested providing financial assistance to poor students in the future, taking into account their economic and family condition.

Student coordinator Tarekul Islam recommended extending the mental health support programme to colleges under the National University, as many students from these institutions were also injured in the movement.