Suicide prevention campaign organised by Moner Bondhu and Daraz, held at Jahangirnagar University

"Moner Dorjae Amra" — a special suicide prevention campaign organised jointly by Moner Bondhu, a mental healthcare provider, and multinational company, Daraz — was held at Jahangirnagar University on Monday, 30 May, 2022 with the support of Jahangirnagar University Debating Society – JUDS.

The campaign sparked a massive response among students across the university as they mourn the loss of their classmates in a series of recent suicides. In his inaugural address, Mahir Pranto, president of Jahangirnagar University Debating Society (JUDS), spoke about the misconceptions about mental health and mental illness.

Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed, an associate professor at the National Institute of Mental Health and a psychiatrist and advisor to Moner Bondhu, spoke on the occasion. He elaborately discussed the frustrations and anxieties students face and mentioned ways to overcome stress, and criticism. Through questions and answers, he informed young students how to deal with suicide, understand the signs of suicide in someone, and how to help friends, if they are having suicidal thoughts.

Rajan Das, Associate Psycho-social Counsellor, Moner Bondhu, conducted a practical session on how to deal with stress. Munia Islam Majumder, a former student of Jahangirnagar University, and Head of Planning and Partnership, Moner Bondhu, conducted a second session on how to build life skills.

Tawhida Shiropa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Moner Bondhu, spoke about the background of the initiative, Moner Bondhu. She said that as have free and frank discussions on mental health issues are considered taboo, Moner Bondhu serves as a safe, confidential, non-judgmental and mutually respectful platform for people to talk openly. Apart from direct service in their Dhaka office, she also spoke of their presence through social media including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and their dedicated Helpline number.

In addition to providing services through experienced and trained counsellors during the COVID-19 pandemic, she mentioned of the 40-hour Certificate Course on Mental Health and Behaviour arranged with the support of UNDP to help raise awareness about the mental health issues. She reiterated that this course will help students maintain their psychological wellbeing.

The "Moner Dorjae Amra" campaign will run throughout the year in different colleges and universities of Bangladesh including Dhaka. Its content partner was The Daily Star and its radio partner was Colors FM 101.8.