On 15 November, the Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows (BACSAF) hosted a seminar in Mymensingh on the importance of mental health in daily life. The seminar aimed to promote mental health awareness and support the implementation of wider measures to address mental health through the alumni network in Bangladesh. The event brought together over 100 attendees, representing alumni and other professionals working across different sectors in Bangladesh.
The event was opened by Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Mohammed Rashed Hossain (2009 Commonwealth Scholar) and member of BACSAF who provided a brief background to BACSAF and introduced David Knox, Director of Programmes, British Council Bangladesh, to give the opening remarks. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, Bangladesh Agriculture University and Professor Rafiqul Islam (2005 Commonwealth Academic Fellow), BACSAF President.
Commonwealth Alumnus Monira Rahman (2012 Commonwealth Professional Fellow), Founder, Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation the delivered the formal session. This included sharing information about mental health and mental health services through a range of activities, including presentation, interactive exercises, and videos, and introduced attendees to mindfulness and self-reflection techniques. Following their sessions, attendees participated in a Q&A.
The event closed with thanks from BACSAF organisers and a networking reception for all attendees.
