Bangladesh (BD)
Bangladesh is a densely populated delta nation in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Mental Health Resources
Support, crisis lines and therapy access in Bangladesh.
Mental healthcare is available but limited and stigma remains real. Public psychiatric services exist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Dhaka but are not designed for expat use. Expats usually rely on private psychiatrists, psychologists, online therapy and employer assistance programmes. Plan support before arrival — finding an English-speaking therapist in Dhaka takes time.
Crisis Lines
Emergency services
999
Languages: Bengali; English varies
Available: 24/7
FreeKaan Pete Roi (emotional support & suicide prevention)
09612-119911
Languages: Bengali; limited English may be available on request
Available: 15:00–03:00 daily
FreeNational Helpline for Violence Against Women and Children
109
Languages: Bengali
Available: 24/7
FreeChild Helpline
1098
Languages: Bengali
Available: 24/7
FreeAccessing Therapy
Through public insurance: No public-insurance psychotherapy route for most expats. Public psychiatric services exist at NIMH in Dhaka, but expats typically use private psychiatrists and psychologists who advertise English-language services.
Waiting times: Private appointments in Dhaka can often be arranged within days to weeks. Finding an English-speaking specialist with experience of expat concerns may take longer.
- - Use international online therapy platforms with home-country licensed therapists — the most reliable option for English-language support.
- - Ask your employer or insurer about an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- - Ask international schools and embassies for trusted referrals; both maintain informal networks of vetted practitioners.
- - BRAC and selected NGOs offer community counselling; availability and language vary.
Online Therapy
Insurance covered: No / partially
Coverage depends on your policy. Check licensing jurisdiction, data privacy and whether the platform has a crisis protocol for users in Bangladesh. Internet quality in Dhaka is generally adequate; plan a phone backup for sessions.
Expat-Specific Challenges
- -Isolation behind commute and compound routines — work and home can become the entire social world.
- -Traffic and noise stress — Dhaka traffic is a daily planning constraint and mental drain.
- -Air pollution and sleep disruption — winter air quality (Nov–Feb) significantly affects mood and energy.
- -Monsoon confinement — June–September flooding and heavy rain limit movement and social activity.
- -Family adjustment and school pressure — children often integrate faster, creating role strain for accompanying parents.
- -Security and political anxiety during unrest, hartals or cyclone events.
Kaan Pete Roi operates 15:00–03:00 only — outside those hours use 999 or the emergency department of a major private hospital (United Hospital, Square Hospital). For immediate self-harm or psychosis risk, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.