Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Dec 4, 2025 (BSS) - Professor Dr Masuma Habib, Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) today said that the July mass uprising remains a proud chapter in the nation's history.

"The students faced extremely difficult and uncertain circumstances during the movement, leaving many with lasting psychological impacts," she said.

Dr Masuma made the remarks as the chief guest at a "Peer-to-Peer Orientation Learning Session on Social Emotional Wellbeing (SEW)," held this afternoon at the Journalist Liaquat Ali Auditorium of Khulna University (KU). The programme aims to promote social and mental health among students.

Paying tribute to the martyrs of the July movement, including former KU student Shaheed Mir Mugdho, she emphasized the importance of self-awareness, goal-setting, and the constructive use of personal strengths for individual growth. 

She also stressed maintaining strong family bonds, particularly with parents, and advised students to avoid words or actions toward others that they themselves would find undesirable.

"Emotional skills are essential for mental wellbeing. The ability to regulate emotions helps ensure psychological stability," she added.

The session was organized jointly by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and UNESCO Bangladesh under the ongoing SEW project, which seeks to enhance students' social and emotional resilience in line with the spirit of the July-August 2024 movement.

KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim, presided over the programme, saying the university is committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing humane qualities, emotional stability, and social responsibility among students. 

He highlighted the role of KU's various clubs and organizations in developing leadership, organizational skills, and positive attitudes.

Associate Prof Syed Tanvir Rahman of the Psychology Department, University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote presentation, discussing the core concepts of social-emotional wellbeing, stress management, emotional regulation, maintaining a positive outlook, healthy communication and how participation in co-curricular activities can build confidence and emotional resilience while preventing frustration and depression.

The programme was attended by UGC Director of International Cooperation Jasmine Parveen, KU IQAC Director Professor Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, and students from various disciplines.