NSU Marks World Mental Health Day 2025 With Youth-Focused Dialogue

North South University (NSU) observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with a powerful message on youth wellbeing, hosting a day-long program that combined creativity, awareness, and expert discussion. Organized by the Department of Public Health and the NSU Counseling & Wellbeing Center, and supported by the NSU Public Health and Science Club, the celebration featured a poster exhibition and a panel discussion focusing on youth mental health challenges and opportunities.

The panel discussion, titled “Youth Mental Health: Challenges & Chances,” took place at the NSU Auditorium 801 and explored the mental health concerns faced by university students today. The event brought together some of the country’s leading mental health and public health experts.

Among the panelists were keynote speaker Dr. Ishakul Kabir, Program Officer of NCD and Mental Health at the WHO Country Office Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital; Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME); Professor Abdul Khaleque, Proctor of NSU; and Dr. S. M. Saidur Rahman Mashreky, Associate Professor at NSU’s Department of Public Health. The session was chaired by Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of North South University.

In his keynote address, Dr. Ishakul Kabir emphasized the urgent need to destigmatize mental health issues, noting that “people are comfortable talking about physical illnesses but often feel ashamed to discuss their mental struggles.” He called for greater awareness and open dialogue to make mental wellbeing an accepted part of everyday health discussions.

Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman shed light on the current state of mental health services in Bangladesh and pointed out critical resource gaps that must be addressed. Dr. S. M. Saidur Rahman Mashreky discussed the various social and environmental factors that affect mental health, while Professor Abdul Khaleque elaborated on the neurochemical basis of mental health disorders.

Adding a policy perspective, Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain discussed government initiatives, including the mental health policy, action plans, and upcoming programs designed to improve youth wellbeing. He encouraged young people to preserve self-confidence and approach life with positive intent.

Closing the discussion, Professor Abdur Rob Khan expressed NSU’s ongoing commitment to supporting students’ mental health, describing wellbeing as an essential part of the university’s educational mission.

Earlier in the day, a poster presentation exhibition titled “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” took place at the NSU Plaza. The exhibition drew enthusiastic participation from undergraduate and graduate students, who showcased their creative ideas for improving mental health support systems.

The first prize went to “Critical Moments, Critical Care: Mental Health in Student Transactions” by Tahsen and Mhanaz, highlighting challenges faced by students adjusting to university life and proposing practical solutions. The first runner-up, “Mental Health Vending Machine” by Sumaiya, Jidnee, and Nishat, introduced a chatbot concept designed to help Gen Z users access mental health support more easily. The second runner-up, “Myths of the Mind” by another student group, explored common misconceptions that perpetuate stigma around mental health.

Through art, dialogue, and expertise, the day at NSU reminded everyone that mental health is not a luxury but a necessity — and that awareness must start within the academic community itself.