Photo: BMU

DHAKA, Aug 18, 2025 (BSS) - A seminar at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) today disclosed alarming findings, revealing that 82.5% of those injured in the July Uprising are battling depression, while 64% are exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The daylong seminar, titled "Beyond the Headlines: Mental Health Consequences of the July Uprising and Milestone Tragedy", also drew attention to the urgent need for psychosocial support for student survivors of the Milestone School and College jet crash.

BMU Treasurer Professor Dr Nahrin Akhtar, in her address, underscored the importance of family and social awareness in tackling trauma-related illness.

"We must not neglect mental health. Those responsible for ensuring it must act with urgency and empathy," she urged.

Professor Dr Nahid Mahjabin Morshed of the Department of Psychiatry and Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Shamsul Ahsan presented the scientific findings. 

In her paper "Impact of Trauma and Violence among Child and Adolescent Population", Dr Morshed stressed that early trauma severely hampers both mental and physical growth.

The seminar was presided over by Professor Dr Afzalun Nesa, Chairperson of the Central Sub-Committee, while Associate Professor Dr Khaled Mahbub Morshed Mamun, Member Secretary of the committee, moderated the event.

Concluding the session, participants called for early detection, stronger support systems and greater responsibility from families, institutions and authorities to safeguard student mental health.