Adolescent Mind Matters

The adolescent years represent one of the most dramatic periods of brain development in human life. Recent neuroscience research has revealed that the adolescent brain undergoes significant structural and functional changes, which directly impact behavior, decision-making, and emotional regulation (Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (2015), PMC (PMC6989808), and ScienceDirect).

Understanding the Adolescent Brain
According to the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (2015), PMC (PMC6989808) and Science Direct, the part of the human brain (prefrontal cortex) responsible for executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control, doesn't fully mature until around age 25. Meanwhile, another part of the brain (limbic system), which processes emotions and rewards, develops earlier and more rapidly. This creates what researchers call the "developmental imbalance" – adolescents experience intense emotions and seek rewarding experiences while their ability to regulate these impulses is still developing.

Dr. Laurence Steinberg's (2013) research demonstrates that this neurobiological reality explains many typical adolescent behaviors: risk-taking, emotional intensity, and peer influence susceptibility. Understanding this can help parents, educators, and adolescents themselves approach challenges with greater empathy and evidence-based strategies.

Overview of the Bangladeshi mental health status
Mental health awareness in Bangladesh has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. In 2018, the country enacted a Mental Health Act and established a mental health policy that prioritizes community-based services and support. Nevertheless, adolescent mental health remains an area that requires urgent attention and culturally sensitive approaches.

Bangladesh's young population presents both opportunities and challenges. While the highest (10.03%) of the country's total population belongs to the age of 15-19 years (UNFPA Bangladesh - Population trends, 2025), the mental well-being of this demographic is crucial for the nation's future. Yet, traditional cultural values, economic constraints, and limited mental health infrastructure create unique barriers to accessing appropriate care.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call, highlighting the vulnerability of young minds during periods of isolation and uncertainty. It was only during the COVID-19 pandemic, when all educational institutions were closed for long periods, that the urgency of addressing adolescent mental health in schools became more visible.

The Statistical Reality
Recent research reveals concerning trends in adolescent mental health across Bangladesh. According to ‘The current state of mental healthcare in Bangladesh: part 1 – an updated country profile’, 25% of adolescents in urban schools experienced depressive symptoms (girls: 30%, boys: 19%). This gender disparity reflects broader societal pressures and expectations placed on young women in Bangladeshi society.

Sadness (45.3%) and aggression (40.5%) were the most common depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%) among school-going adolescents (Rahman, M. A., 2022). These statistics underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both emotional regulation and academic stress.

The impact of academic pressure cannot be understated. A previous study among 874 university students reported that 40% had moderate to severe anxiety, and 72% had depressive symptoms (Hasan, 2024). This highlights how the competitive educational environment in Bangladesh significantly impacts adolescent mental health.

Breaking the Stigma: Normalizing Mental Health Conversations Mental health literacy or understanding mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments – should be as fundamental as physical health education. When adolescents understand that mental health challenges are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of, they're more likely to seek help when needed.

Peer support programs, where trained student leaders provide mental health awareness and support, have shown particular promise in reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking behaviors among adolescents. Creating environments where mental health is discussed openly and without judgment is crucial for early intervention and support.

Practical approach for Support
For Parents and Caregivers: Create a supportive home environment by maintaining open communication while respecting increasing independence needs. Practice active listening without immediately jumping to solutions. Validate emotions while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations.

For Educators: Implement trauma-informed practices that acknowledge the impact of stress and adversity on learning. Create classroom environments that prioritize psychological safety alongside academic achievement. Watch for changes in behavior, academic performance, or social interactions that might signal mental health concerns and counsel them if required.

For Teens: Develop a personal wellness toolkit that includes stress management techniques, trusted support persons, and healthy coping strategies. Learn to recognize early warning signs of mental health difficulties and know how to access help when needed.

For Community: In Bangladesh, effective mental health programs need to involve entire communities, including respected elders, teachers, and religious leaders.

The Role of Technology and Social Media
Bangladesh's rapidly growing internet penetration (over 65% as of 2024) presents both opportunities and challenges for adolescent mental health. Social media platforms can provide connection and support, but also contribute to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and sleep disruption.

Digital Mental Health Solutions: Mobile-based mental health apps developed in Bengali are emerging as accessible tools for young people who may be reluctant to seek face-to-face counseling. These platforms can provide anonymous support, mood tracking, and coping strategies while respecting cultural sensitivities.

Online Safety and Digital Literacy: Educating adolescents about healthy technology use, recognizing online harassment, and maintaining digital boundaries is crucial for mental wellbeing in the modern Bangladeshi context.

A Vision for the Future
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in addressing adolescent mental health. The combination of increasing awareness, policy support, and innovative programs creates opportunities for significant progress. By working together – families, schools, communities, religious leaders, and mental health professionals – Bangladesh can create a supportive environment where adolescents can thrive mentally, emotionally, and culturally.

Writer: Dr. Sirajam Munira Oreen
BDS, PGT(CMCH), MPH(BSMMU)
Program Officer Research, BCCP

Collaboration is key: Stakeholders Unite to Tackle Climate-Nutrition Challenges in Bangladesh

PPA amended, e-GP use made mandatory

The government is going to make use of e-GP mandatory for all public procurement in line with ensuring transparency and accountability for ensure value for people’s money.

Community-Driven Radio Messages to Promote Public Infrastructure Awareness

In a bid to deepen public understanding and promote sustainable use of government-built infrastructure, the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), under the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (EMCRP) implemented jointly by LGED, DPHE & MoDMR, developed and aired two Radio Spots as part of its Communication Awareness Services initiative.

Govt emphasizes reforms in public procurement

Currently, 30 billion US dollars are spent annually on public procurement in Bangladesh. To ensure that there is no waste of this huge expenditure, the government has put stress on proper and timely implementation of various projects. On an average, about 1500 projects are included in the Annual Development Program (ADP) every year. If it is possible to achieve the goals and objectives of these projects, then it will have huge positive impact on the country's economy.

Proper audit can improve public procurement environment
BCCP managed BPPA’s workshop

Audit officials need to have knowledge on the provisions of public procurement law and rules as proper audit is essential to check anomalies in the process of public procurement. With the strong demands for more training on public procurement for audit officials, the above observations dominated a workshop titled “Public Procurement, e-GP and e-Audit” at the conference room of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) on 28 May 2025.

Validation Workshop: Research Findings on Family Support and Male Engagement in MMS Adherence in Bangladesh

On June 16, 2025, the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) organized a Validation Workshop of Research Findings at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka, as part of its project titled “Family Support and Male Engagement in MMS Adherence in Bangladesh: A COM-B Framework Analysis”. The event brought together over 55 representatives from key sectors, including policymakers, researchers, development partners, and civil society organizations. The project, overseen by the Institute of Public Health (IPHN), DGHS, and supported by Helen Keller International, aims to generate actionable insights to guide national policy and programmatic responses.

Government Prioritizes Making Public Procurement Time-Befitting

The government has given the highest priority to make the electronic government procurement or e-GP system more time-befitting and user-friendly through bringing necessary reforms in the public procurement law soon. Mr. Mirza Ashfaqur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning made this remark at a workshop on "Sharing of experience about BPPA functions and e-GP" as the chief guest held at the DC office conference room in Moulvibazar district on 8 April 2025. Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Moulvibazar Mohd. Israil Hossain chaired the workshop.

Government Prioritizes Making Public Procurement Time-Befitting

The government has given the highest priority to make the electronic government procurement or e-GP system more time-befitting and user-friendly through bringing necessary reforms in the public procurement law soon. Mr. Mirza Ashfaqur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning made this remark at a workshop on "Sharing of experience about BPPA functions and e-GP" as the chief guest held at the DC office conference room in Moulvibazar district on 8 April 2025. Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Moulvibazar Mohd. Israil Hossain chaired the workshop.

Learning more on e-GP very much crucial: Narayanganj DC

Learning more on electronic government procurement (e-GP) is very much crucial for the benefit of the country’s development activities, as this ensures transparency and accountability in the public procurement process that guarantees value for people’s money. “We must remain cautious so we can ensure proper use of public funds,” Mr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Narayanganj, said this at an experience-sharing workshop on BPPA activities and e-GP held on April 30, 2025 in Narayanganj.

Display Board Set at Sonargaon

UNO Office is Fully Aware and Operational on e-GP

The display board set at the premises of the office of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district has been showcasing very important messages on electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) and its uses. This makes all stakeholders and common people aware about this system, as what UNO of the upazila Farzana Rahman described, “e-GP helps make pubic procurement transparent to a great extent as our main objective is to ensure 100 percent transparency in public procurement so that no public fund is misappropriated. There is not a minimum scope for allowing manipulations in public procurement.

Adolescent mental health is facing a silent, global crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 suffers from a mental health disorder, with depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues among the leading causes of illness and disability. Alarmingly, over 75% of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment—putting their futures at risk. In the U.S., a 2023 CDC survey found that 42% of high school students felt persistent sadness or hopelessness, with significantly higher rates among girls (57%) and gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others (LGBTQ+) youth (69%). These aren’t just numbers—they represent real struggles with anxiety, trauma, and identity.