BRAC, in partnership with BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BIED) and digital healthcare platform Neeramoy, has launched a mental health hotline called ‘Moner Jotno’.

The hotline offers free, confidential telecounseling to support people – especially young people and teenagers – who are experiencing anxiety, panic or emotional distress, according to a news release.

The service, accessible daily from 12:00pm to 2:00am, aims to address mental health challenges that are increasingly common among young people in Bangladesh.

A recent study found that 73.5% of school-going teenagers in the country report symptoms of stress to varying degrees. Many delay seeking help due to stigma, lack of awareness and limited access to mental health professionals.

According to The Lancet Psychiatry, Bangladesh has less than one psychologist per million people, resulting in more than 90% of people in need of mental health support going untreated.

The Moner Jotno hotline is available at 09643262626 and through the Neeramoy Patient app on Android and iOS platforms.

A team of over 70 trained psychologists and counselors at BRAC provide immediate and empathetic support to callers, providing a safe space to share their feelings.

Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes, with a 10-minute extension available in severe cases, ensuring a focused session with no follow-up obligations and strict confidentiality.

This initiative is part of BRAC’s wider Moner Jotno campaign to tackle the mental health crisis in Bangladesh.

In addition to the hotline, BRAC’s campaign includes community awareness programs to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and direct outreach initiatives targeting vulnerable groups.

On-site counseling and support is also provided to help individuals, particularly students, manage stress and trauma.

“Moner Jotno seeks to bridge the gap for those who cannot or hesitate to access formal counselling,” said a BRAC representative, noting that the hotline provides a first step for young people who may feel anxious to seek help.

Through this campaign, BRAC aims to promote a supportive environment for mental health, empowering individuals to address their emotional well-being.