NN Online : The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has launched a first-of-its-kind, free mental health initiative for journalists called “Khola Janala” (meaning “Open Window”) aimed at addressing work-related stress and emotional well-being .
The official inauguration took place on Tuesday, July 29, at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of DRU. Under the new program, every two weeks journalists who are DRU members can visit the DRU premises to receive confidential, professional mental health services—provided by trained psychologists and psychiatrists from the renowned international mental health organization “Moner Bondhu” (“Friend of the Mind”)—at no cost .
The launch ceremony was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon. Key attendees included:
Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the chief guest;
Moner Bondhu’s Head of Mental Health Program and lead psychologist, Kazi Rumana Haque;
Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Executive Director of the School of Leadership and prominent media personality .
Journalists who shared their experiences included Mehdi Azad Masum, senior reporter for Baishakhi TV and former office secretary of DRU; Nasir Uddin Shoeb from Daily Sangram; and Rishad Hasan, senior reporter at News 24 .
Md. Saidur Rahman emphasized the importance of reaching out to those affected by trauma—including students, parents, journalists—saying, “We must stand by everyone. There is no room to hide suffering,” while applauding DRU’s initiative and assuring support from the health ministry .
President Abu Saleh Akon highlighted the program’s preventive approach, urging journalists to shake off their burdens the way a duck sheds water.
DRU’s General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel noted that this follows other health initiatives for members, such as free Hepatitis-B vaccination, coronavirus booths, dental, diabetes, gynecology, kidney, and liver health camps—and that services like a health corner, ambulance support, and vaccines against uterine and pneumonia infections are soon to follow .
Former DRU Presidents Sakhawat Hossain Badsha and Mursalin Nomani, current Executive Committee Vice-President Gazi Anowar, and Organizational Secretary Abdul Hai Tuhin delivered speeches.
Joint Secretary Nadia Sharmin explained that although journalists often stand up for others, their own mental battles remain unheard. “‘Khola Janala’ is a courageous initiative to break that darkness,” she said .
The primary objectives of Khola Janala are to:
Promote mental well-being and resilience among journalists;
Offer support for trauma, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress;
Restore professional stability and confidence;
Foster a more empathetic, supportive journalistic culture .
DRU hopes this institutional model will inspire other media organizations to adopt similar practices, creating greater awareness around mental health and breaking associated stigmas within the media community.
