Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has called on all members of society to work together to eliminate fear, stigma, superstition and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

In a message issued on Friday (October 9) marking World Mental Health Day 2026, observed on Saturday (October 10), the prime minister said, “Being visibly healthy or free from disease does not alone constitute health; rather, health means being well physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.”

He stressed that mental health must never be neglected.

Highlighting the significance of World Mental Health Day, the prime minister said, “Mental health is not merely a matter of treatment; it is deeply connected to human dignity and the overall well-being of families, society and the state. Instead of neglecting or isolating anyone because of their mental health problems, we must listen to them, stand by them and make access to necessary support easier.”

Referring to this year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” he said listening carefully to the experiences and feelings of people living with mental health conditions and treating them with respect are prerequisites for meaningful change.

In his message, the prime minister highlighted various government initiatives aimed at extending mental health services to the grassroots level. He said work was underway to establish an integrated referral system at the upazila and district levels, expand tele-counselling services, train doctors and healthcare workers, and strengthen the capacity of mental health professionals in government hospitals to ensure services reach marginalized communities.

The government is also placing special emphasis on the mental health of pregnant women, the well-being of children and adolescents, and school-based mental health services, he added.

Addressing mental health professionals, the prime minister said, “Listen to people attentively and sincerely, stand by them with empathy, and strive to ensure the necessary treatment and support.”

Expressing hope for building a welfare-oriented and humane Bangladesh, he said, “Through the collective efforts of the government, healthcare professionals, families, educational institutions and society, it is possible to build a healthier Bangladesh where no one feels hesitant to talk about mental health, ashamed to seek help, or alone and neglected.”

At the end of his message, the prime minister wished good health and well-being for people in Bangladesh and around the world and expressed his hope for the overall success of World Mental Health Day 2026.