City Desk :
BRAC University (BU) has launched Bangladesh’s first Master of Science in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program.
Aimed at addressing growing mental health needs in Bangladesh and contributing to advocacy, innovation, and leadership through the upskilling of professionals, the program will be run by the BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED).
The program combines theory, practice, and research rooted in global standards and is tailored to Bangladesh’s realities. Classes will be taken by national and international experts, says a BU release.
The deadline for submitting applications is 28 December 2025 and classes are expected to begin in February 2026.
The program was launched through a discussion titled “Mental Health for All: Breaking Stigma, Building Capacity” organized by the BRAC IED on the university’s Merul Badda campus last Sunday (30 November 2025).
Students, academics, professionals, and mental health advocates came together to discuss mental wellbeing, tackle stigma, and promote stronger mental health support systems.
“We need open discussions on the importance of mental health. Breaking stigma and building our capacity is essential so we can better support our faculty members, students and staff,” said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury.
Dr Erum Mariam, executive director of the BRAC IED, highlighted the urgent need for prioritizing mental health for all.
“Bangladesh has seen decades of strong investment in physical health. But we all know mental health is just as important. The coming decades should prioritize building and investing in mental health,” she said.
At a session themed “Thriving Together: From Life to Leadership”, panelists from different walks of life shared their personal and professional perspectives, highlighting their journeys of resilience and the mental health landscape within their communities.
They also laid emphasis on multisectoral integration of mental wellbeing.
The program concluded with a call to action to recognize mental health as a universal need.
Regardless of one’s profession or background, understanding and prioritizing mental health is essential for a compassionate and resilient society, said the panelists.
The launch of this program advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
