DHAKA, Oct 9, 2021 (BSS) - The World Mental Health Day-2021 will be observed tomorrow in the country like elsewhere across the world.

  The day is observed every year on October 10 across the world with various programmes for raising awareness on mental health.

  The main theme of the day is 'Mental Health in an unequal World'.

  On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.

  The government and non-government organizations have taken programmes including seminars and discussions to mark the day.

  The head of the state, in his message, said like other diseases, there is a modern and scientific treatment for mental illness.

  He said it is very important to provide family and social support to the mentally ill person.

  The surge of the coronavirus infections across the globe has greatly increased the incidence of mental illness and that is why all have to create awareness of this issue, he said. He called for creating awareness among the people to avoid unscientific medical procedures while treating the patients in this regard.

  The president said to ensure the mental well-being of the people, public and private hospitals, health centers as well as educational institutions need to take awareness programmes on mental health issue.

  He hoped that the joint efforts of all will bring smile on the faces of mentally ill persons as well as their families.

  Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the development of physical health as well as mental health is essential for building a better life and a happier prosperous country. To this end, the Awami League (AL) led-government established the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka in 2001, which was a milestone in the advancement of mental health services, the premier said.

  The premier said the government is working sincerely to provide all types of health services to the people including mental health services and to improve the mental health of the people of the country as better health services are now needed specially in this pandemic situation.

  She called upon all concerned to pay more attention to this sector to bring mental health services to the doorsteps of the people. 

  "We are working towards the goal of making Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country before 2041," she added.

  "With the joint efforts of all, we will build the 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she hoped.

  Both the president and the premier wished The 'World Mental Health Day-2021' a success.