… Mental well-being requires tackling poverty, unemployment: Chief Whip
Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Md Nurul Islam Moni today said ensuring mental well-being requires addressing social and economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment and uncertainty about the future, alongside providing healthcare services.
He said initiatives such as the prime minister's agricultural loan waiver, Family Card and Farmer Card would help reduce economic anxiety among disadvantaged people.
Moni made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar marking World Mental Health Day 2026 at the Dhaka Ahsania Mission auditorium in Dhanmondi in the capital.
The seminar was held under the theme "Listen to Life Experiences: Real Stories, Real Change".
The Chief Whip said poverty, unemployment, family tensions and social stigma negatively affect people's mental health.
He stressed the need to promote quality education, moral values, employment opportunities and social empathy to protect mental well-being, said a press release of parliament secretariat.
He also said efforts to keep young people away from drug addiction should go beyond medical treatment and rehabilitation. Authorities and society must also create opportunities for skills development and economic self-reliance, he added.
Nurul Islam called on young people to develop their capabilities and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset to become self-reliant.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening human values, mutual respect and a culture of standing beside people facing difficulties.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder spoke as a special guest at the seminar.
Professor Dr Golam Rahman chaired the event, which was attended by Prof Dr Abu Toyeb Abu Ahmed, National Institute of Mental Health chief and director Dr Saifun Nahar Sumi, Director of the Health and Nutrition Sector Dr Iqbal Masud, Dr Naila Parveen, and other relevant experts and media professionals.
