Since 2013 the network continues as a small circle of experts and visionaries in the field coming together to synergise their efforts across individual organisations and individual initiatives to promote mental health in Bangladesh. In August 2015, the network was formally registered as a Trust. Founding members and the board of trustees (in alphabetical order):
Badrul Mannan, Welfare Society for Mental Health and Rehabilitation
Prof. Dr. Faruq Alam, Psychiatrist, former Director and Professor, National Institute of Mental Health and Research
Khondoker Shahriar Shakir, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court
Monira Rahman, Founder, Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation
Dr. Nafisa Huq, Independent University Bangladesh and Monon Psychiatric Hospital
Nasima Selim PhD, James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University
Shaheen Islam PhD, Professor, Educational and Counseling Psychology, University of Dhaka
General Members are :
1. Student Counseling & Guidance Office, Dhaka University
2. Nasirullah Psychotherapy Unit, Dept. Clinical Psychology, Dhaka University
3. Moner Bondhu
4. Sajida Foundation
5. Psychological Health and Wellness Centre
6. ADD International Bangladesh
7. Shishu Angina
8. Kaan Pete Roi
9. Heal Bangladesh Foundation
10. Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation
Strategic partner Organisation: Identity Inclusion
1. Healing Heart Counseling Unit
2. Aachol Foundation
3. Psycure Organisation
4. Moshal Mental Health
5. Women Support Initiative Forum
6. Women Empowering Women
7. I-Social Limited
8. No Passport Voice
9. Menspeak BD
10. Visualizing Mental Health
11. Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh
Our objectives are:
Networking: To network with like-minded organizations including government, non-government, academic and research institutions, media and any similar entities and individuals which are interested to contribute in protecting and promoting mental health and wellbeing of the Bangladeshi Population;
Sharing and learning: To share knowledge and resources among the network members for mutual support, collaboration, capacity building etc.;
Advocacy and Lobby: To do advocacy for improving relevant laws, policies, systems, structures and services for establishing and enhancing the rights of the people suffering from mental illnesses and mental health problems;
Training and Capacity Building: To train, educate, and raise social awareness in the community in respect of people at risk or currently suffering from mental illness in general or particular, promotion of well-being and prevention of mental health problems and mental illnesses;
Research, survey and study: To conduct research directly or in collaboration with research institutes, academic institutions and other similar entities and individuals and share knowledge and skills for the improvement of the people suffering from mental health problems, promotion of well-being and prevention of mental health problems and mental illnesses;
Our activities include but not limited to:
- To seek, develop and maintain productive relationships with national, regional and international government and non-government agencies, donors, NGOs, media, academicians and other individuals, organisations in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the TRUST;
- Organize seminars/workshop/dialogues/fairs, study tours and similar activities with the view to furtherance of the objectives of the Trust at home and abroad;
- Create and promote evidence based good practices for improving mental health services in Bangladesh
- Raise fund at home and abroad, develop & implement projects/programs/organisations in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the TRUST;
- Filing cases, prosecuting offenders, defending in legal proceedings compromising or referring to arbitration of any disputes regarding relevant issues;
List of activities accomplished since its inception:
1. Citizen initiative meetings to facilitate the legislation process of the Mental Health Act 2018
2. Contribution in the formulation of National Mental Health Policy 2019 and National Mental Action Plan 2022
3. Collaborative initiative of MH services during nCOVID 19 pandemic
4. Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Carnival 2022
Criteria for Membership:
There are three main criteria for membership:
- Organisation
- Individual
- Students (associate member)
Membership fees (annual):
For organization: 5000 taka
For individual: 1500 taka
For students: 500 taka
Founding members will be considered as life members
