DHAKA, Feb 12, 2025 (BSS) – University Grants Commission (UGC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have decided to give mental treatment to 10,000 students of 22 public and private universities, suffering trauma after July uprising.

“Students, who have been suffering from trauma after the anti discrimination students movement, will be given mental treatment,” UGC member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain said.

The UGC and the UNESCO will jointly provide mental health support to 10,000 students, who were affected by sufferings during the July-August anti discrimination student movement.

The mental treatment will be given under Social and Mental Health Protection Project from selected universities in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Khulna.

The treatment will help students to return to normal life and focus on their education, according to the project.

UGC member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain chaired the project implementation committee (PIC) meeting held with participation of university teachers, student coordinators and UNESCO officials at the UGC conference room yesterday.

The meeting decided to prepare a framework within the current month with student representatives from private universities, ensure counseling services based on students' needs.

Professor Hossain said that students who joined the July-August movement are suffering from severe trauma.

“Providing counseling services is crucial to help them recover. Ensuring their mental well-being and building an environment of trust that can help overcome this crisis,” he said.

Dhaka University Professor Mahjabeen Haque said many injured students are experiencing psychological distress.

She said the participants in the procession with Abu Sayeed in Rangpur and many students who participated in the mass uprising might be suffered mental disorder.

“They need trauma therapy along with necessary treatment support. Many students who participated in the mass uprising suffered severe injuries, lost limbs, eyesight, or facing other disabilities, leaving them anxious about their future,” she added.

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement spokesperson Umama Fatema said students received some assistance, but government assistance could not make impact on mental health improvement of students.

Though students of public universities received health protection support but private universities resumed classes and examinations soon after the movement, she said.

She urged for giving importance to the mental health of private university students.

Student coordinator Tarekul Islam suggested inclusion of the colleges under the National University under the mental health support programme.