Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Mar 11, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said that mental health services for patients in Khulna remain inadequate, stressing the need for greater awareness and coordinated efforts to address the growing mental health challenges among young people.

He said adolescents and youths in society often suffer from mental pressure for various reasons, particularly due to unemployment after completing their education. Failing to meet family expectations, many become frustrated, and some even choose misguided paths in an attempt to assert their rights, he added. 

“To address the issue, awareness must be created through religious institutions and educational establishments alongside integrating mental health services into the government’s health policy,” he added.

The KCC administrator made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a consultative workshop on “Counselling Corner” held at the GIZ auditorium of the Nagar Bhaban here this morning.

The workshop was organised by the non-governmental organisation Caritas with the support of KCC to discuss continuing the counselling corner after completion of the project.

Under its project titled “ASHAS – for women and men rescued from human trafficking,” Caritas has established a counselling corner at the City Health Building on Sher-e-Bangla Road to provide psychological support and counselling services.

The initiative aims particularly to restore mental well-being of trafficking survivors and other psychologically distressed individuals, help them overcome trauma and assist them in returning to normal life.

Since its inauguration on June 22, 2025, the counselling corner has provided counselling services to 103 patients.

Chief Health Officer of KCC Dr. Sharif Shammul Islam presided over the workshop.

KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed spoke as special guest.
Project Director Dipta Rakhit delivered the welcome speech while Senior Manager of Winrock International S K Nazmul Islam made a presentation. Advocacy Specialist Mrinmoy Mahajan presented the group activities during the workshop.