Post-July Uprising: Youth Face Growing Mental Health Crisis in Bangladesh

Students Suffer Severe Trauma After July Uprising: Experts Warn of Mental Health Crisis in Bangladesh’s Youth.

Post-Protest Trauma Haunts Thousands of Students

Many students who took part in the July uprising are now experiencing intense psychological trauma. Leaving classrooms for the streets, they witnessed violence, arson, clashes, gunfire, injuries, and even death. Some lost limbs, eyes, or other body parts. These traumatic experiences have triggered violent behavior in some, say psychologists and education experts.

Due to post-traumatic stress, many students are now reacting aggressively to even minor issues, leading to interpersonal conflicts. Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, several incidents have surfaced where students have harassed and even physically assaulted teachers. Viral videos on social media show students surrounding teachers, demanding their resignation.

Widespread Disruption Across the Education Sector

Bangladesh currently has 39,788 educational institutions with over 20.3 million students and 640,000+ teachers from secondary schools to universities. Across all levels—schools, colleges, and universities—instability, chaos, and uncertainty have spread.

In the past eight months, over 3,500 teachers, including principals and headmasters, have faced harassment by their own students. Educationists warn that this rising intolerance among youth is a grave threat to the nation’s future. A culture of reactionary protests is replacing reasoned dialogue and tolerance, potentially leading to deeper social crises.

“Traumatized Behavior Is Not Unnatural,” Say Experts

Dr. C. R. Abrar, an education advisor, acknowledged that the trauma experienced by students during the July movement cannot be ignored. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for patience and mutual understanding:

“Students may have demands or differences in opinion, but they must be expressed with respect. We must also create space for constructive dialogue.”

Rising Violence and Mental Health Concerns

The assault of a head teacher in Begumganj, Noakhali, sparked national outrage. From KUET to Barisal University, protests over administrative failures and irregularities are now common. For months, processions and rallies have led to frequent disruptions in academic life. Many students have been skipping classes to engage in protests, vandalism, and confrontations.

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To curb this, the Ministry of Education has ordered a ban on student participation in non-academic rallies and gatherings within campuses.

UGC–UNESCO Launch Mental Health Project for 10,000 Students

In response to the crisis, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and UNESCO have launched a joint initiative under the “Social and Mental Health Protection” project. It aims to provide mental health services to 10,000 students from public and private universities who participated in the July–August protests.

At a recent Project Implementation Committee (PIC) meeting chaired by UGC member Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, he stated:

“Students involved in the uprising are going through extreme trauma. Psychological counseling is crucial to bring them back to normal life.”

Alarming Behavioral Changes Among Youth

Prof. Dr. Mehzabin Haque from the University of Dhaka’s Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology warned of a growing risk of mental imbalance among student protestors. Many are showing signs of post-traumatic stress, including fear, anxiety, sadness, restlessness, speechlessness, isolation, helplessness, guilt, fatigue, and bursts of anger.

In Rangpur, similar symptoms were noted among students who joined activist Abu Sayeed in marches and protests. Experts call for trauma therapy and proper treatment through collaborative national efforts.

Unstable Behavior in Younger Students Raises Alarms

A recent case in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur saw an eighth-grade student violently attacking a classmate. His mother told local media:

“My son was always a little energetic, but never violent. Lately, his behavior has changed drastically. He even hits his brother at home and becomes aggressive over small issues.”

This reflects a broader pattern of psychological impact among students of all ages.

A Call for National Action on Student Mental Health

The July uprising has left lasting psychological wounds on thousands of students. Without urgent mental health interventions and inclusive national dialogue, this trauma may transform into long-term societal instability. The need for compassion, professional counseling, and educational reforms has never been more urgent.