Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 5, 2026 (BSS)- Speakers at a dialogue here today unanimously 
said breaking the existing silence and strengthening community-based 
initiatives can be the crucial means of preventing violence.

Violence is not just a family crisis; it is deeply connected to the victim's 
mental health, social security and human dignity.
 
But due to fear, social stigma, and pressure to preserve honor, many 
incidents of violence still do not come to light.

Academics and development activists made these things while addressing a 
dialogue and exchange of views meeting with teachers and students of the 
Department of Psychology at Rajshahi University (RU).

The Project to Combat Domestic Violence Awareness and Advocacy (Net to 
Rights) organised the event at the Pasilk Moner Jotno Counseling Center in 
Binodpur area of the city aiming to break this silence and strengthen 
community-based initiatives to prevent violence.

Professor Dr. Tanzir Ahmad Tushar of the Department of Psychology at Rajshahi 
University (RU) addressed the meeting as the chief guest with General 
Secretary of Net to Rights Raihan Ali Mridha in the chair.

Conducted by the organization's Coordinator Rafiqul Islam, Executive Director 
of RULFAO Afzal Hossain spoke as a special guest.

The meeting discussed in detail the goals, objectives, and various strategies 
for implementing the activities of Net to Rights.
 
It was discussed that one of the main goals of this project is to raise 
public awareness about domestic violence, create pathways for necessary 
psychological and social support for victims of violence, and build a 
preventive social environment through advocacy.
 
In addition, future strategies were also discussed by involving various 
stakeholders in preventing domestic violence.
 
In particular, there was an exchange of views on how teachers and students of 
the Department of Psychology can play an effective role in building research, 
awareness activities, mental health services, and a victim-friendly support 
system.
 
The meeting was also addressed, among others, by Prof Dr. Anjuman Shirin and 
Prof Farhana Orin of the Department of Psychology, Professional Psychologists 
Tasmeem Tamanna Cony, Farhana Mahmud, Mahmud Alam, and Abdullah Al Mamun.
 
A total of 50 teachers and students of the Department of Psychology at RU 
were present at the meeting.