Psychological well-being is much more important than physical wellbeing as people of the 21st century spend days in great stress, said Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique yesterday.

While inaugurating a rally organised by Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF) at the capital's Rabindra Sarobar on the eve of World Mental Health Day, the VC urged everyone to behave well with mentally ill people. “Dignity" is the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day.

The National Mental Health Survey (2005) showed that 16.1 percent of the adult population, aged 18 years and above, and 18 percent of the children of Bangladesh are suffering from some sort of mental disorder. Experts believe the number has increased over the years.

Monira Rahman, founder and executive director of IWF, said, "One in every four persons is suffering from mental illness."

Only 200 psychiatrists, 50 clinical psychologists and 800 beds have been dedicated to mental health services by the government which can cover only one percent of the estimated needs.

Chairperson of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology Dr Shaheen Islam said family should teach its members to give proper honour to mentally ill people. Deputy Managing Director of IDLC Finance HM Ziaul Hoque Khan, Cricketer Taskin Ahmed, former skipper of National Cricket Team Habibul Bashar Sumon, singer Haidar Ali, and television host Sharmin Lucky also attended the rally.