BRAC, in collaboration with the BRAC Institiute of Educational Development (BIED) and 'Neeramoy', a digital healthcare platform, has introduced a mental health hotline called 'Moner Jotno'. This initiative provides free, confidential tele-counselling for individuals -- particularly young people and adolescents -- experiencing anxiety, panic, or emotional distress. The hotline offers immediate support, creating a safe and welcoming space for callers to share their emotions and experiences, so they no longer have to suffer in silence. The launch comes at a critical time, as mental health challenges in Bangladesh are on the rise, particularly among young people. A recent study revealed that 73.5 per cent of school-going adolescents in Bangladesh experience symptoms of stress to varying degrees. According to The Lancet Psychiatry, there is also a severe shortage of mental health professionals in Bangladesh, with fewer than one psychologist available per million people. The 'Moner Jotno' hotline is available every day from 12 pm to 2 am, including holidays, and can be accessed by calling 09643262626 or through the Neeramoy Patient app on both Android and iOS platforms. Over 70 trained psychologists and psychosocial counsellors from BRAC are providing the service, ensuring that callers receive professional, empathetic support, said a press release. Each session lasts around 20 minutes, with the option of a 10-minute extension if the caller's distress is severe. The service offers a single session per call, focusing on immediate emotional relief without follow-up obligations, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout.

BRAC Academy, one of BRAC Education Programme’s flagship models, proudly announced the establishment of its second branch in Bogura, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards providing quality education to children across the nation. The first branch was launched in Cumilla in 2019, said a press release. Brac Bank secures Bancassurance business approval The Academy, is a child-centred affordable school chain offering primary education in district towns. It offers modern teaching-learning methods, enriched content, and skills to ensure students are nurtured towards successful adulthood by sparking their learning curiosity and instilling in them excellent values, behaviours, respect and responsibility. The Academy opened its door on 10 January 2024 and was officially launched by the Executive Director of BRAC, Asif Saleh, on Wednesday in Bogura, it added. The launching took place amidst great enthusiasm and anticipation from the local community. 102 students, ranging from Play Group to Grade 3, were warmly welcomed into the school, symbolising the beginning of a promising academic year filled with opportunities for growth and success. Brac Bank, DIU join hands to advance women entrepreneurship Safi Rahman Khan, director of Education, Skills Development, and Migration at BRAC, opened the event with a welcoming message for all the parents and students. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Chief Guest, Additional District Commissioner (General), Mohammad-Al-Maruf; Special Guest Mayor, Md Rezaul Karim Badsha, and Special Guest Assistant District Primary Education Officer, Md Zaved Akhter.

BRAC University, a renowned private university of the country, today issued a statement clearing its stance over the recent incidents involving part-time teacher Asif Mahtab Utsha and demonstration by some students on the campus. BRAC University said it believes, like all great institutions of higher education, its role should be to create space for all views to be discussed and debated constructively, predicated on tolerance and respect. The university said that it considers any act of vandalism towards national property as unacceptable behavior and does not tolerate or support such activities. Read more: Youth with disabilities deprived of learning, employment scopes: Study “The recent act of tearing pages of a textbook published by the Government of Bangladesh, included in the national curriculum for students enrolled in 7th grade in schools, and asking others to do the same in a public forum, is an act of vandalism, a behavior not supported by BRAC University,” the statement reads. The university said, it therefore, cannot offer a part-time teaching contract to Asif Mahtab Utsha for the Spring 2024 semester. However, the university will compensate him for his time and efforts towards his preparatory work for Spring 2024. BRAC University said it respects and fully complies with the country's constitution and laws on all matters. Accordingly, it does not promote homosexuality as has been alleged by some quarters in various social media content. However, BRAC University said it believes in equal rights and opportunities for every single human being to realize their potential. Read more: Jamaat congratulates dismissed BRACU teacher Asif Mahtab, criticizes govt’s education policy

Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), BRAC University, in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh, organized a Research Findings Dissemination event on Legal and Regulatory Framework Affecting the Enabling Environment for Grassroots Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday in the city.  This research was conducted under the ‘SUSHIL: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to Uphold Human Rights, National Integrity, and Rule of Law in Bangladesh’ project, co-funded by the European Union. WFWP Bangladesh holds seminar on 'Raising Awareness on Eye Care' Researchers of the CPJ led by its Director (Research) M Sanjeeb Hossain, Nafisa Tabassum, and Al Muktadir Elahi Esmam conducted qualitative research which involved interviews of 135 representatives of 114 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating across nine districts of Bangladesh, namely, Chattogram. , Bandarban, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Kushita, Naogaon, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Dhaka. Dr. Hossain presented the essential findings and recommendations for the research titled ‘Towards an Enabling Environment for Grassroots CSOs in Bangladesh: Challenges and Recommendations for Reimagining Laws, Regulations and Policies’. Dual gauge rail tracks between B’baria’s Akhaura-India’s Agartala to open on Nov 1 The event consisted of an open discussion session where attendees discussed three themes – current challenges CSOs face, balancing their freedom of operation and advocacy while holding them accountable, and whether or not the situation will improve with the passing of new legislation. Government representatives, development partners, academics, CSOs, youth leaders, and like-minded organizations engaged in a vibrant debate in this session. Islami Bank launches its ‘Smart Banking Towards Financial Excellence’ campaign The event concluded with remarks from Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh. She mentioned that all CSOs are unique entities with volunteerism at their core. She emphasized the need for an enabling culture where larger NGOs/CSOs would willingly collaborate with grassroots CSOs.

A six-member delegation, including the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Kanni Vignarazar, visited the Rohingya camp at Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar on Monday (September 11, 2023). During this visit, they observed various activities of the donor organisation. Also read: UN Assistant Secretary-General's visit to Bangladesh set for September 9 The delegation reached Block-L/17 of Rohingya Camp-18 in Ukhiya around 10:00 am on Monday. Later, they visited the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre at IMO. During the visit, an IMO official presented the delegation with details by displaying various items bearing testimony to the history and heritage of the Rohingyas preserved inside the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre. A group of Rohingya artists played musical instruments for the delegation and sang a Rohingya anthem (Tarana). They then visited the Model Village under the UNCR-NGO Forum and BRAC Dhara-run pilot project located in Camp 17 H/71 block and visited the ISO SET bio-diversity nurseries. During this time, BRAC officials briefed them on how waste material is paid for in the project. Also read: UNDP facilitates dialogues among parliamentarians on gender-based hate speech and Bangladesh Delta Plan Later, NGO officials gave a detailed briefing to the delegation on how the Rohingyas collect rations through smart cards. Later, they paid a courtesy call on the CIC at the CIC office of Camp-4 Extension. US Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Vignarazar spoke to some of the Rohingyas who came to WFP’s e-voucher shop and inquired about them. Later, the six-member delegation returned to Cox's Bazar around 3:00 pm. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman and Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran were present during the visit. Also read: Sweden, UNDP continue to work on climate adaptation in Bangladesh "During this time, the delegation observed various activities of the donor organisation. Later, they spoke to some Rohingyas who had come to the WFP’s e-voucher shop for some time," said Mizanur.

BRAC Hope Festival started Thursday at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital. The three-day festival is the epilogue to yearlong observances, marking 50 years of BRAC. The first day of the Hope Festival embodied the theme "A Tribute to Bangladesh." The festival opened at 11 am, welcoming thousands of participants showcasing BRAC's ecosystem of development, social enterprises, investments, university, and other initiatives in Bangladesh and abroad. The festival grounds were adorned with exhibitions, pavilions, stalls, and workshops with diverse cultural motifs depicting BRAC's ecosystem. All the spaces and setups were open to the audience, with a special kids' play zone for children. Cultural festivities on the stage began with puthi path performance by renowned actor Fazlur Rahman Babu and his group. Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay performed the Raga classical music. Throughout the festival, different presentations and performances celebrated the tenacity and courage of women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant in life. Theatre group Prachyanat staged a creative rendition titled "Protidiner Joddha," based on the life of Dr Afsana Akter, who overcame all her family and social hurdles to become a successful gynaecologist. Afsana was also present on the stage, sharing her story with the audience. Events of the day concluded with performances by Arnob and Friends and Lalon Band. The "Power of Potential" will be the theme of the second day of the festival. Special performances will be staged to highlight "Shomotontro," a movement for gender equality. Dance drama by the Jatrik group and a fashion show by Aarong will also be part of the stage programmes. Musical performances by renowned bands Renaissance, Feedback, Emon Chowdhury and Friends, Miftah Zaman and Girl Power Band will be part of the stage programmes. Read more: Lantern Festival celebrated at CMG Bangla Dhaka office

The three-day BRAC Hope Festival will start Thursday at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in Dhaka. The open-for-all event will cover three thematic areas – "A Tribute to Bangladesh," "Power of Potential," and "Building a World We Want," each day to highlight one theme. The festival will open every day at 11am and end at 9.30pm. Everyone can join the festival through pre-registration. Presenting a curated treasure of culture, the festival will feature a full array of daylong events and performances – puthi paath, story-telling, bioscope, puppet show, the world of play for children, exhibitions, and many others. Every day the festivities will be topped off with cultural performances in the evening by some of the biggest names from the cultural sphere of Bangladesh. Fun workshops with artisans, cartoonists, artists, architects, robotics experts and urban greenscapers are part of the festival. Two awards will also be presented at the Hope Festival to inspire the youths of Bangladesh. Amra Notun Young Changemakers Award will be conferred on five grass-root level young changemakers in recognition of taking ownership of solving social challenges. TAAGA Outstanding Young Professionals Award will be given out to women for their contributions to the workplace. Tomorrow cultural festivities of the day will begin with renowned actor Fazlur Rahman Babu and his group's puthi path. Bengal Parampara Sangeetalaya will take the stage, presenting the Raga classical music. Later on, a documentary will pay tribute to the role of women in the War of Liberation in 1971. Theatre group Prachyanat will stage "Protidiner Joddha," based on the life of Afsana Akter, who overcame all her family and social hurdles to become a successful gynaecologist. Events of the day will conclude with performances by Arnob and Friends and Lalon Band. Read more: 4th Bangla-India film festival to showcase rich shared cultural heritage  

One million marginalised people will get safe water and sanitation services at 45 upazilas of 14 districts from four climate hotspots through a new project implemented by Brac. The project "Equitable and Sustainable WASH Services in Bangladesh Delta Plan Hotspots 2022-2026" started its journey with an inception workshop Wednesday in the capital. The Dutch Embassy will provide financial support to the project. IRC Netherlands will join Brac as the implementing partner, according to a media statement. Md Khairul Islam, the Local Government Division's additional secretary for the water supply wing, said only 33 percent of households had hygienic latrines and 25 percent had unhygienic latrines in 2003. "Open defecation was very common." "Now in 2023, almost every family has access to latrines. The present status and sanitation of Bangladesh in coping with the challenges of climate change and global warming and in protecting the environment have been highly acclaimed by the development partners," he added. Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen said her country and Bangladesh began a partnership with WASH in 2005. "Our partnership with Brac began just next year in 2006. Some aspects of the Bangladesh Delta Plan are huge and expensive. But there are WASH solutions also that are not expensive, and they are innovative too, in terms of ensuring equitability and sustainability," he added. Read more: Experts for increased allocation in water, sanitation, hygiene Asif Saleh, executive director of Brac, said, "We have progressed a lot but there are still 20 million ultra-poor in this country. The conversation has started everywhere that water is going to be the next scarcity. There is going to be a severe water crisis if we don't act now, and if we don't have serious planning in place." The Brac WASH programme implemented several projects with "innovative approaches and strategies" to achieve the goals of safe water and sanitation from MDGs to SDGs. In line with that, this new project is striving to improve the gap between access to and quality of services, especially for the marginalised communities in hard-to-reach areas.

Brac will organise a three-day festival of culture, stories, crafts, music and art next month to mark 50 years of its founding. The "Hope Festival" will be held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital on February 9, 10 and 11. It will be open to all and one just needs to visit https://brachopefestival.net/ to register for the event. Hope Festival aims to inspire conversations around five key focus areas, namely education, financial empowerment, gender equality, climate change and mental health. To build a community of changemakers and find innovative ways of addressing these social issues, it will provide a platform for everyone to submit their ideas to tackle these social challenges. People can submit their ideas online while registering for the festival and shortlisted ideators will get to share their ideas, connect and partner with other changemakers. Asif Saleh, executive director of Brac Bangladesh and Tamara Hasan Abed, managing director of Brac Enterprises, made the announcement Thursday in Dhaka. "We believe that social change can't be brought without partnerships. We have to come forward with new and innovative solutions to deal with these challenges. Building on the potential of the youth, we need to work together to meet the challenges of the future," Asif said. "Through this festival, we aim to get everyone on board today to solve the social challenges of tomorrow." Tamara said: "Fifty years of working with people, believing in their potential and organising the people to help them turn their lives around, this distinct approach to development, which Brac stands for, is now being lauded the world over for its efficacy. We want to share insights we get from the ground with everyone." The three-day festival will cover three thematic areas with the first day (February 9) dedicated to a tribute to Bangladesh. Read more: BRAC trains 48,000 employees on safeguarding On the second day (February 10), Hope Festival's celebrations will be centred around showcasing the potential of people to transform their lives. Festivities of the final day will lay out a vision for an equitable and prosperous future for all by sparking a discussion on the pathways to building the world we want. At Hope Festival, there will be open workshops with artisans, cartoonists, and urban greenscapers at the festival. People will get to stroll through a world of inspiration, experiencing bioscopes, puppet shows, human libraries, children's play areas, and exhibits showcasing the power of hope. To inspire the youth to take ownership of solving social challenges, a group of young changemakers will be felicitated at the festival for their contributions through the Amra Notun Network Young Changemakers Award. Read more: BRAC at 50 : What about the next 10? Also, TAAGA Outstanding Young Professionals Award will be given out at the festival to women for their contributions to the workplace. Every day the festivities will be topped off with cultural performances in the evening by some of the biggest names from the cultural sphere of Bangladesh. Fazlur Rahman Babu, Nagar Baul (James), Arnob, Artcell, Lalon band and Nemesis will enthral the audience with their live performances. Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay will stage a special session.

The United Kingdom has announced an additional £500,000 (Tk 60.6 million) in humanitarian support in response to last year’s flood in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, in which 7.2 million people were affected. Delivered by BRAC, this funding will provide water, shelter, livelihood opportunities, and improved nutrition for people affected in Sunamganj, Sylhet. UK Development Director in Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said last year’s devastating floods in the Sylhet region underline that Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Also read: Flood situation worsens in parts of Sylhet “This new funding provides vital water, nutrition, shelter and livelihood opportunities to some of the worst affected communities in Sunamganj, Sylhet. The UK is proud to partner with BRAC to deliver this support,” he said. This new UK support will ensure safe water and shelter for nearly 1,000 affected households and restore livelihoods and food security for more than 5,000 affected households. BRAC Executive Director, Asif Saleh, said the floods in northeastern Bangladesh, which affected over 7.2 million people in June 2022, were the worst to hit Bangladesh in the last two decades. Read More: UK to strengthen trade, investment, digital economy ties with Bangladesh: Indo-Pacific Minister “They left a trail of destruction in nine districts, with Sunamganj being the worst affected. Significant efforts were undertaken to provide emergency response to meet immediate needs, but sustained humanitarian support is direly needed to help people recover and rebuild their lives. This partnership between the British High Commission and BRAC will be crucial in standing beside the people in Sunamganj and being a partner in their journey to build back better,” he said.