Social stigma keeps many from mental health treatment

Most people suffering from mental illnesses in Bangladesh do not receive proper treatment. Persistent social stigma, where mental illness is still equated with being “pagol” (mad), often makes people embarrassed, causes them to avoid treatment, or even deny their condition. This was highlighted during a roundtable discussion held on Thursday (October 9) at the Jago News office in Middle Badda, Dhaka, with experts in attendance. The event, titled “Mental Health Services in Disaster and Emergency Situations,” was organized ahead of World Mental Health Day. The discussion was chaired by Jago News Editor KM Zeaul Haque, while Planning Editor Moniruzzaman Uzzal moderated the session. The keynote presentation was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Muntasir Maruf of the National Institute of...