DU Correspondent

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman emphasized on creating awareness about mental health and said that for the protection of mental health, the misuse of smart phones, digital technology and social media should be prevented and social barriers should be removed in the field of mental health treatment.

He said this while addressing the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 4-day conference on 'Community Based Mental Health: Key to Bridging the Mental Health Service Gap in Bangladesh' at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on Friday.

Dhaka University Clinical Psychology Department and Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society jointly organized this conference.

President of Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamruzzaman Majumder presided over the opening ceremony, line director of non-communicable disease control program of the Department of Health, Professor Dr. Md. Robed Amin, Dean of Faculty of Biological Sciences, Dhaka University. AKM Mahbub Hasan and the former president of the British Psychological Society. Graham Powell as special guest was present General Secretary of Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society Dr. presented the main article. Md. Shahanur Hossain. Dhaka University Clinical Psychology Department Chairperson Mrs. Jobeda Khatun delivered the welcome speech.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman called upon the students of Dhaka University Clinical Psychology Department to play an effective role in the development of the mental health service sector and said that they should develop as trained manpower to deliver mental health services at the community level of the country. He said, by providing the necessary training to the students of the Clinical Psychology Department, the mental health service sector It is possible to solve the professional crisis. He mentioned that the country's community clinics can also play a role in this regard. Vice-Chancellor said that everyone should acquire skills in controlling stress and depression. Neglected, deprived and depressed people should be included in society and action. He also emphasized on increasing social responsibility to ensure mental healthcare.

According to the original article, 18.7 percent of adults and 12.6 percent of children and adolescents in Bangladesh are suffering from mental health problems. 92% of people in the country do not receive any treatment for mental illness. There is a shortage of mental health professionals in the country to ensure mental health services for this large population.