Which legislation is currently responsible for regulating the treatment and rights of mental health patients in Bangladesh?
A Mental Health Act, 2018
B Mental Health Ordinance, 1986
C The Bangladesh Disability Act, 2013
D Mental Health and Wellness Regulation, 2020
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
- The Mental Health Act, 2018 is the current legislation in Bangladesh that specifically regulates the treatment, rights, and care of mental health patients.
- It replaced the outdated Mental Health Ordinance, 1986 and introduced modern standards aligned with human rights principles.
- This Act ensures protection against discrimination, access to treatment, and safeguards the rights of individuals with mental illnesses.
- Other laws, like the Bangladesh Disability Act, 2013, address broader disability rights but do not focus exclusively on mental health.
- Hence, the Mental Health Act, 2018 is the primary legal framework for mental health care in Bangladesh.