Bangladesh is observing the International Youth Day today, along with the rest of the world, to highlight the issues affecting young people in the country as well as around the world.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Mental health matters.”
To commemorate the day, Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Information Centres (UNIC), and United Nations Volunteers (UNV), will host an art exhibition and cultural programme on today at 10pm at the BPF auditorium, in the capital’s Mirpur area.
There are no exact statistics available on the mental disorders of the Bangladeshi youth. However, it is estimated that around 0.7-0.8% of young people are affected by autism.
To show how mental health matters, the UNFPA, UNIC and UNV have paired up with the BPF to showcase the creative talents of many autistic children who participate in the BPF programmes.
One exceptional participant of the exhibition is Imran Rashid Emon, 26, who has been active in the BPF since 1993. Diagnosed with hearing impairment and low cognitive abilities, Emon overcame these challenges and can now read, speak and count, and is an active Boy Scout and BPF staff member.
His gift for painting was recognised by the prime minister, and one of his artwork was chosen for the cover of the Bangla New Year card last year.
Ahead of the celebration, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin issued a statement, where he said safe and healthy passage from adolescence into adulthood was the right of every child.
“Being healthy means not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental and social well-being... Yet, mental health of young people is largely ignored and, as a result, depression is the largest cause of disability, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people worldwide.”
Argentina Matavel Piccin, UNFPA representative in Bangladesh and chairperson of the United Nations Youth and Adolescent Theme Group, will speak at the event to express support for mental health matters in Bangladesh.
The theme group brings together all UN agencies in Bangladesh to strengthen the efforts to put young people at the top of the development agenda. It supports the government in improving the lives of young Bangladeshis by promoting their rights – especially those with a mental health condition – eliminate discrimination, and support stigma-free health services and information.