Importance of mental health treatment for injured in mass uprising stressed

Health experts emphasised the urgent need to establish a task force of professionals skilled in mental health care to address the psychological challenges faced by the 22,000 injured during the July mass uprising. Among them, 587 have sustained permanent disabilities, over a thousand have lost their vision, and many are experiencing severe mental distress, struggling with depression and an inability to lead normal lives.

They stressed these concerns while speaking at a seminar titled "Mental Health Crisis: Dealing with Post-July Revolutionary Aspects" organised by the volunteer organisation Anchol Foundation at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital today (12 December).

Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, a professor in the Psychology department at Dhaka University, presented the keynote paper.

He highlighted the resource constraints in the mental health sector and proposed future action plans.

Dr Kamal Uddin said that over 1,423 people lost their lives and more than 22,000 were injured in the uprising, a significant number of whom were students, children, and adolescents.

He further talked about the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of the uprising, explaining that this severe mental health condition often results from intense grief or trauma. PTSD disrupts daily life, deteriorates social relationships, causes disinterest in studies, and reduces workplace productivity.

It can even lead to quitting jobs or businesses, he said, adding that some sufferers may experience depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

Former regional director of the World Health Organisation and chairman of the Public Health Foundation, Dr M Muzaherul Haque, said that apart from those injured in the July uprising, the family members of the injured and deceased are also mentally distressed. They are suffering from various forms of despair and are unable to lead a healthy and normal life.

He said to bring them back to a healthy and normal lifestyle, everyone must work together. They need to be encouraged to seek appropriate treatment to overcome their mental depression, and it must be ensured that they receive proper care. For this purpose, a dedicated hospital could be established, he added.

Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, assistant professor of the Ministry of Health, said that those injured in the mass uprising, regardless of their affiliation, will receive medical treatment. However, it has not yet been possible to bring half of the injured supporters of the uprising under assistance programmes. Efforts are ongoing to streamline everything.

"We are committed to providing maximum support for their education, healthcare, and overall needs, which will aid in improving their mental health. After the Liberation War, hospitals were established for the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured. Currently, one of them is the Orthopedic Hospital. The government is considering setting up a new hospital to rehabilitate those injured in the July uprising," he added.

Farida Akhter, adviser for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, speaking as the chief guest, condemned the societal stigma and abuse faced by many injured.

She said, "We have observed that since the movement, many parents have also been traumatised. Many girls from affected families, traumatised by the movement, are avoiding seeking medical help out of fear that if people find out, it could create difficulties in arranging their marriages."

The advisor further said that during the cabinet meeting, discussions were held regarding ensuring financial assistance and mental health services for the injured and the families of the martyrs.