Cumilla, January 18, 2026 – A mental health awareness and suicide prevention session under the Talk Hope for Life initiative was successfully conducted at Gozbadda Rabeya Memorial Girls High School in Jhakunipara, a border area of Bangladesh under Cumilla district.
The program was organized by the Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation, with the China Bangladesh Friendship Center serving as the event partner. Local volunteer support was provided by the Jhakunipara Nobodiganta Youth Welfare Association, which assisted in coordination and community engagement.
Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Babu, President of the China Bangladesh Friendship Center and Chairperson of the Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation, emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in underserved regions.
“Mental health is as important as physical health, yet it is often ignored—especially in border and remote areas. Through initiatives like Talk Hope for Life, we want to ensure that young people grow up with awareness, courage, and access to support. Our responsibility is not only to help, but to listen and stand beside them,” he said.
Md Saddam Hossain Roni was present at the event along with four other youth representatives from the organizing and partner organizations. Speaking at the session, he highlighted the role of early awareness and open conversation.
“Suicide is not a weakness; it is often the result of untreated pain and silence. When we talk openly about mental health, we create hope. Our goal is to make students feel safe to speak, to seek help, and to believe that their lives truly matter,” he stated.
During the session, speakers discussed mental health and suicide prevention, focusing on emotional well-being, recognizing early signs of psychological distress, breaking stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behavior among students.
Teachers, students, and community members highly appreciated the initiative taken by the Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Foundation and specially thanked the China Bangladesh Friendship Center for coming forward with such a noble cause in a border area of Bangladesh. Participants noted that the session helped create awareness on a sensitive issue that is often overlooked in rural and border communities.
The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing similar mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs across schools and communities nationwide, with a special focus on marginalized and underserved areas.