|| Rayhan Ahmed, Mymensingh Correspondent: A new initiative aimed at improving the mental well-being and economic independence of acid and violence survivors was officially launched in Mymensingh on Tuesday, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives and development partners to strengthen rehabilitation efforts.The project, titled "Mental Health and Quality of Life Improvement for Acid and Other Violence Survivors," was inaugurated at the conference hall of the Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner's Office. Presiding over the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Saifur Rahman underscored the importance of ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation for survivors through mental health support and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Welcoming participants, Swapan Kumar Pal, Executive Director of Swabalambi Unnayan Samity, highlighted the organisation's ongoing work in supporting survivors of acid attacks and other forms of violence. Presenting the project's activities, Samia Ahmed, Executive Director of the Acid Survivors Foundation, said that out of 139 identified acid survivors in Mymensingh district, 100 will receive professional psychological counselling, while 32 beneficiaries will undergo vocational training in block printing, batik and tailoring to help them become self-reliant. In a significant gesture of support, Mansur Alam Chandan, President of the Mymensingh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced the donation of sewing machines for the trained survivors. Speaking at the event, social worker and Mymensingh city BNP leader Mahbubul Alam stressed that ensuring employment opportunities for acid survivors requires collective efforts from all sections of society and pledged his support for the initiative. Among those attending the programme were Mymensingh Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ariful Islam, Gauripur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Afia Amin Pappa, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development Harun Or Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Women's Affairs Naznin Sultana, Additional Deputy Commissioner Azim Uddin, along with representatives from various government and non-government organisations. The event was moderated by Imon Sarkar, Project Manager of Swabalambi Unnayan Samity, and was attended by 20 acid survivors, who are among the project's beneficiaries. As part of the initiative, a pressure garment production centre will be established at the Burn Unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Pressure garments are considered an essential component of post-burn treatment, helping patients recover from severe burn injuries. Organisers said the project seeks to promote the psychological recovery, skills development and long-term economic empowerment of acid and violence survivors, enabling them to reintegrate into society with dignity and confidence.mil