In recent years, mental health awareness has gained gradual traction among the youth in Bangladesh, and one notable initiative in this domain is Talk Hope, a youth-led platform co-founded by Kanan Faysal. Established in early 2024, the initiative aims to normalize mental health conversations, particularly among school and college students across the country.
The platform began gaining attention following its response to student unrest related to academic pressure in mid-2024. In collaboration with volunteer counselors and university students, Talk Hope organized open-air peer support circles, workshops, and digital campaigns addressing depression, exam stress, and suicidal thoughts—issues often stigmatized in conservative social contexts.
Kanan Faysal, serving as the Chief Coordinator, has played a central role in mobilizing community outreach and awareness programs in educational institutions, including several in Dhaka and Narayanganj. According to internal estimates, the platform has directly or indirectly supported over 45,000 youth across Bangladesh through in-person activities, online support, and awareness drives.
The initiative has received media coverage in both Bengali and English-language outlets for its grassroots approach and emphasis on youth peer engagement rather than clinical interventions. Talk Hope’s model is noted for its accessibility and its ability to reach underrepresented and underserved segments of the youth population.
Beyond mental health, Kanan Faysal is also involved with youth volunteering through organizations such as the Leo Club of Dhaka Century, where he has contributed to social welfare activities like tree plantations, blood donation drives, and awareness events in collaboration with international partners.
Observers suggest that youth-led platforms like Talk Hope demonstrate a rising civic consciousness among Bangladeshi youth, who are increasingly addressing social issues once considered too taboo or specialized to engage with publicly.
