Staff Correspondent: Sylhet, Bangladesh: The Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation organized a community-based mental health awareness program in northeastern Bangladesh aimed at promoting mental well-being and encouraging open discussions on mental health within families and rural communities.

The program, titled “Talk Hope for Life,” was held in the Pirer Bazar area of Khadim Nagar in Sylhet and brought together local residents, including parents, grandparents and students. Organizers said the initiative focused on improving awareness of mental health at the household level, emphasizing empathy, communication and early understanding as key elements of emotional well-being.

The session was conducted under Talk Hope, a mental health initiative of the Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation, and was supported by the China Bangladesh Friendship Center, which served as the event partner.

Md. Saddam Hossain Roni, Founder of Talk Hope and Secretary General of the Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation, attended the program and interacted with participants. He highlighted the importance of addressing mental health stigma and making conversations around emotional well-being more accessible at the grassroots level.

Organizers said mental health awareness remains a critical but often overlooked aspect of community health, particularly in rural areas where access to information and support services is limited. Programs such as Talk Hope for Life aim to address this gap by fostering understanding, compassion and supportive family environments.

Local participants welcomed the initiative, noting that such discussions help normalize mental health conversations and encourage families to provide mutual support.

The Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation said it plans to continue similar community-focused mental health awareness programs across Bangladesh as part of its broader efforts to promote social well-being and resilience.