The Department of Public Health and the Psycho-Social Counselling Center of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organized an awareness program titled “Mental Health and Well-being: Challenges and Practices” on September 24, 2025, at the IUB Multi-Purpose Hall.

The program aimed to raise awareness on mental health issues and support systems for faculty and staff through an engaging training session conducted by Dr. Md. Azharul Islam, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at the University of Dhaka.

Dr. Zenat Zebin Hossain, Head of the Department of Public Health, opened the ceremony by welcoming participants and emphasized the importance of considering mental health as part of overall wellbeing and coping with daily stressors in both academic and personal contexts.

Dr. Azharul Islam’s presentation, titled Tin Shutor Badhon (the bond of three threads), focused on identifying, connecting with, and referring individuals facing mental health challenges to the professional support system.

He addressed determinants of mental health, including body, environment, society, and conscience. He also explained the C.A.R.E. method as a crisis intervention framework and outlined strategies for addressing anxiety, depression, and stress. An interactive session followed, during which participants discussed the causes of student stress, symptoms to watch for, and referral practices.

Dr. Shamim Matin Chowdhury, child and adolescent psychiatrist and principal of Beautiful Mind Special School, discussed the broader context of mental health in Bangladesh, including the need for stronger institutional support systems. She was involved in the establishment of IUB’s Psycho-Social Counselling Center and also played a role in developing Saima Hall, a residential facility that provides accommodation and tuition support for female students.

Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Dr. Kamran ul Baset, assured that the mental health awareness activities would be further expanded through training and peer counseling. He aspired that this overall program would be impactfully engaging and become a beneficial way to help our students.

Treasurer Khandker Md. Iftekhar Haider said, “The journey of the Psycho-Social Counseling Center of IUB started in 2014. We have come a long way, and there's still more to go.” He thanked the Department of Public Health for arranging this awareness program.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel W. Lund said, “Mental health and wellbeing are incredibly important topics. Whenever I teach Organizational Behavior in different universities, I always start with a slide that says 'how you feel affects your behavior and your behavior affects how other people feel, which affects their behavior, which affects workplace performance.' If someone has a mental health issue of any kind, their behavior is affected. The ProVC Office is always supportive of any initiatives that support mental health and well being.”

Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Tamim said, “Mental health is a topic that we still shy away from in this country, and support for it is still lagging. Culturally, we derive support from our family and friends. However, in my opinion, all healthcare including mental healthcare should be under a state system to ensure maximum reach and equitable impact. In this fast-paced life, stress is a constant. At IUB, we are pursuing to be part of the solution by expanding our mental health support services to ensure adequate support for our community.”

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Brig Gen Ridwan-Al-Mahmood (Retd.), Director of Administration. Asif Parvez, Registrar; Ashraful Amin, Director, Council Affairs; Lt Col Isteag Ahammad (Retd), Deputy Director, Facilities and Protocol; and Atif M. Safi, Head of the Division of Student Activities, also attended the program alongside faculty and staff from across IUB.

The program was hosted by Tania Sultana, counselor of the Psycho-Social Counselling Center, with support from Counselor Md. Yeasin.

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