Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday said the government is working to bring mental health services to people's doorsteps by expanding technology-based counselling services and introducing effective referral systems.
“The current government aims to build a healthcare system where mental peace, social security, and the improvement of living standards are given equal importance alongside physical well-being,” he said in a message issued on the eve of World Mental Health Day 2026, which is to be observed on Saturday.
“Embracing this humane perspective, the government is working to bring mental health services to people's doorsteps by expanding the scope of services at the Upazila and primary healthcare levels, developing skilled manpower, establishing effective referral systems, and extending technology-based counseling services,” said the prime minister.
Highlighting the growing importance of mental health as a public health challenge worldwide, he said many people in Bangladesh also suffer from mental health problems but remain deprived of proper treatment and support due to social stigma, lack of awareness, limited access to services and a shortage of skilled professionals.
So, the government has taken various initiatives to improve the accessibility, quality and capacity of mental health services, Tarique Rahman said.
“Initiatives have been taken to establish integrated referral systems at the upazila and district levels and expand tele-counselling services to reach marginalized people,” he said.
The government has also planned to train mental health physicians working at the upazila level, strengthen the capacity of mental health professionals at public hospitals and provide training to a large number of health workers in this field, the prime minister said.
He said the government is also attaching due importance to the mental health of pregnant women, the mental well-being of children and adolescents, and school-based mental health services.
In his message, Tarique said health did not merely mean being physically fit or free from disease, but rather being well physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. So, mental health could not be neglected under any circumstances, he added.
He said protecting mental health was an important component of the government's public welfare-oriented health policy.
Referring to this year's theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the prime minister said it highlighted the importance of giving due consideration to people's personal experiences, feelings and opinions in mental healthcare. Bangladesh, along with the rest of the world, will observe the day with due importance, he added.
Mental health is not merely a matter of treatment; it is deeply connected with human dignity, family, society and the overall well-being of the state, he said.
Tarique Rahman stressed the need for collective efforts to eliminate fear, shame, superstition and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
“Instead of neglecting or isolating anyone because of their mental health problems, we must listen to them, stand beside them and make access to necessary support easier,” he said.
Listening to the experiences and feelings of people living with mental health conditions and treating them with dignity are prerequisites for bringing about real change, he added.
Addressing mental health professionals, the prime minister urged them to listen attentively to people with sincerity, extend support with empathy and strive to ensure necessary treatment and assistance.
He also stressed the need to raise awareness about mental health among families, educational institutions, the media and people from all walks of life.
Tarique Rahman expressed his belief that collective efforts by the government, healthcare professionals, families, educational institutions and society could help build a healthy Bangladesh where no one would feel hesitant to talk about mental health, ashamed to seek help or feel alone and neglected.
“We want to build a welfare-oriented, safe and humane Bangladesh where every person has the opportunity to lead a healthy and meaningful life with dignity, hope and potential,” he said.
Tarique wished good health and well-being for all people in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2026.