A day-long “Survivor’s Voice Summit 2026” was held in Dhaka on Tuesday, focusing on youth mental health awareness, cyber safety, and youth leadership development. The event took place at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium and was jointly organized by Survivor’s Path and the SRI Welfare Foundation.
A key highlight of the summit was the official launch of the “Mon Barta” mental health application along with a 24/7 mental health helpline. The initiative was inaugurated by Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul Awal, Chief Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to Munajia Snigdha Moon, Chairperson of Survivor’s Path, young people in Bangladesh are increasingly facing mental health challenges linked to cyberbullying, trauma, and social pressure. She said stigma and lack of awareness continue to prevent open discussion on mental health issues, underscoring the need for accessible support platforms.
“This year’s summit was designed as a safe and inclusive space for young people, professionals, advocates, and survivors,” she said, adding that the theme of the event was “Breaking Silence, Building Hope, Empowering Every Voice.”
The second session of the summit featured Dr. Sansila Zebrin Priyanka, Member of Parliament, as Guest of Honour. Sheikh Rifad Mahmud, Chairman of SRI Welfare Foundation, served as convener of the event, while Munajia Snigdha Moon chaired the programme.
Special guests included Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil, Secretary General of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Dr. S. K. Farid Ahmed, and Fahad Hossain.
Discussions throughout the day focused on mental health protection, digital wellbeing, cyber security, youth leadership, and personal development. A key attraction was the “Survivor Chronicles” segment, where survivors shared personal experiences aimed at breaking stigma and encouraging resilience.
A special breakout session titled “Survivors’ Manifesto Development” also brought together young participants to draft policy ideas and advocacy priorities related to mental health support.
The Youth Development Panel included representatives from UNDP Bangladesh, the SRI Welfare Foundation, and Survivor’s Path, along with student participation from BRAC University.
A separate Mental Health Panel featured psychologists, researchers, and public health experts who discussed emerging mental health challenges among young people in Bangladesh. The session was moderated by Dr. Al Amin.
Speaking at the event, Munajia Snigdha Moon said the “Mon Barta” platform aims to create safe, empathetic support spaces for people struggling with mental health challenges.
“Mon Barta is more than an app; it is a platform of empathy, support, and hope,” she said.
Organisers said they hope the initiative will strengthen mental health awareness, encourage youth engagement in social initiatives, and build a long-term support network for survivors.
Several organisations participated as partners and sponsors, including Synovia and Parle Agro Products as sponsors, Go Green Restaurant as food partner, and Fahad’s Tutorial as learning partner. Event partners included the Entrepreneurship Development Club (EDC), Kids Safe Foundation, Hello-02, INS, Jagannath University, and the Young Blood Association.
