Summary:
- Aachol Foundation reported 310 student suicides in Bangladesh in 2024, with 61% being female students.
- Secondary school students and madrasa students were identified as the most vulnerable groups.
- Emotional distress, romantic issues, and academic pressure were the leading causes of suicides.
- Experts recommend introducing school-level counseling and mental health support to address the crisis.
In a somber revelation, the Aachol Foundation reported that at least 310 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas across Bangladesh died by suicide in 2024. The findings, presented during a virtual press conference on January 18, 2025, highlight the persistent mental health challenges faced by students in the country. This marks a decline from 513 student suicides reported in 2023 and 532 in 2022, though experts caution that the decrease may be attributed to underreporting rather than an actual reduction in incidents.
The study revealed that 61% of the deceased were female students, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of young women to mental health crises. Secondary school students accounted for the majority of cases, with madrasa students also being significantly affected. Emotional distress, romantic complications, and academic pressures were identified as leading causes.
The Aachol Foundation’s analysis utilized data from 105 local and national newspapers to compile these statistics. The organization emphasized that the decline in reported suicides could be linked to political circumstances or reduced media coverage, rather than a genuine improvement in student well-being.
Key Findings and Trends
- Demographics: Female students made up the majority of victims, reflecting broader societal pressures and gender-specific challenges.
- Age Group: Teenagers aged 13–19 were particularly vulnerable, with secondary school students being disproportionately affected.
- Causes: Emotional distress was cited as the leading cause of suicides, accounting for over 32% of cases. Other contributing factors included romantic relationships (14.8%), mental health issues (9.9%), family conflicts (6.2%), and academic stress (4.5%). Sexual harassment and humiliation also played roles in some cases.
- Geographic Distribution: Dhaka division recorded the highest number of student suicides, consistent with previous years.
Context and Broader Implications
The issue of student suicides has been a growing concern in Bangladesh, exacerbated by societal stigmas surrounding mental health and limited access to support systems. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these challenges by disrupting education and increasing isolation among students.
Experts have repeatedly called for comprehensive measures to address this crisis. Recommendations include introducing school-based counseling services, conducting regular mental health screenings, fostering mentor-mentee relationships, and training teachers to recognize early signs of distress. Additionally, creating safe spaces for emotional expression and breaking taboos around mental health discussions are seen as critical steps.
Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, Associate Professor at the National Institute of Mental Health, stressed the importance of equipping students with emotional regulation skills and addressing societal attitudes toward mental health. Similarly, Saidur Rahman from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies and mental health organizations.
Urgent Need for Action
The Aachol Foundation’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize student mental health in Bangladesh. While the reported decline in suicides may appear encouraging at first glance, experts warn against complacency, emphasizing that underreporting remains a significant concern.
As Tansen Rose, founding president of Aachol Foundation, stated during the press conference: “Now is the time to take action.” Without immediate and sustained efforts to address the root causes of student suicides, countless young lives will continue to be lost to preventable tragedies.
This alarming trend calls for a national strategy on suicide prevention that integrates mental health education into school curricula and ensures accessible support for all students. Only through collective action can Bangladesh hope to stem this tide of despair and build a future where every student feels valued and supported.
Source: TBS News
