News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 15, 2025 (BSS) - Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman today said the government is working to improve and strengthen mental health support for victims of the July Uprising.
He made the remarks while addressing a workshop on developing mental health of July fighters organized by the Bangladesh Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the institute in the capital’s Agargaon.
“The trauma suffered by thousands of people who took part in the July mass uprising can never be forgotten. Many of the injured are still undergoing advanced medical treatment. Alongside that, we are making every effort to ensure proper mental healthcare for them,” he said.
He added that every person injured in the July Uprising will be provided with advanced mental health treatment so that they can recover fully and become mentally self-reliant.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafor said that with the support of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation((NITOR) , 40 victims of the July Uprising have been sent abroad for advanced treatment.
He praised HRDC for the initiative and expressed hope that such humanitarian support will continue in future.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Kamal Akbar, Chief Executive Officer of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, said the foundation is currently working with a limited number of victims, but rehabilitation from trauma and depression for all 12,454 victims is very important.
He emphasized the need for conducting research to identify key challenges for implementing effective rehabilitation programs.
Mother of journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo said that mentally ill individuals should not be stigmatized as “mad.” Instead, mental illness should be treated like any other physical illness requiring proper medical care, she said.
Victims of the July uprising shared their experiences and called for ensuring treatment, rehabilitation, inclusion, and dignity.
The objective of the workshop was to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for the victims of the uprising and their families.
In the inaugural session, Mahbubur Rahman Bashir, father of martyr Mahmudur Rahman Saikat, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing HRDC’s moral responsibility to stand by the victims.
HRDC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Md. Mahbul Haque delivered the welcome speech, while Md. Jianur Kabir, Director of HRDC, presented data on the mental health issues arising from the uprising.
Anders B. Carlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting mental health, psychosocial assistance (MHPSS), and rehabilitation programs for conflict-affected people in Bangladesh.
He expressed pride in Denmark’s supportive role in Bangladesh’s journey toward democracy, healing, and development.
Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Director of NIMH chaired the programme.
