Experts urge shift towards strengthening suicide prevention in Bangladesh

Mental health experts, academics, and rights advocates have urged a fundamental shift in how society addresses mental distress, calling on communities and institutions to move the conversation away from silence and stigma towards active prevention, compassion, and structured support.

The call was made on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, over the theme "Changing the Conversation, Strengthening Prevention, Saving Lives."

To mark the day, a collective effort organised by the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF), the Student Counselling and Guidance Office of the University of Dhaka, and the Nasirullah Psychotherapy Unit from the university’s Department of Clinical Psychology will host a gathering and commemorative candlelight vigil at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) premises.

Data highlighted by the organisers underscores a escalating crisis across the country. According to police records, 76,361 people died by suicide in Bangladesh between 2020 and 2024 an average of more than 15,000 deaths annually. Law enforcement agencies further recorded 13,491 deaths between January and November 2025.

Youth and students remain particularly vulnerable. Media monitoring by the Aanchal Foundation revealed that 403 students died by suicide in 2025 alone, comprising 190 school students (47.4 per cent), 92 college students, 77 university students, and 44 madrasa students. Most recently, following the publication of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examination results on 10 August 2026, media reports documented at least 10 student suicides within a few days. While based on news reports, organisers noted these figures reflect an urgent necessity for expanded psychosocial assistance for young people.

Speaking on the systemic challenges facing Bangladesh, experts pointed out significant gaps in national data collection regarding non-fatal suicide attempts and highlighted the severe shortage of affordable, accessible mental health care. They urged policymakers to restrict access to lethal means, such as toxic pesticides, and called for legal reforms to repeal or amend the law that criminalises attempted suicide. Speakers stressed that individuals in deep distress require clinical care, compassion, and community connection rather than punitive legal action.

The initiative aligns with Target 3.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which tasks nations with reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being by 2030. Organisers emphasised that meeting these international targets requires a multisectoral strategy integrating public health, education, media, and social protection systems.

As part of the observances, a public awareness programme held at TSC premises. The event  includes expert discussions featuring Monira Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of IWF; Prof Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury from the Department of Clinical Psychology; and Prof Md Azharul Islam from the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology.

Speakers included Mahmuda Rahman Khan, COO, GLOBAL CENTRE OF EXC, Iqbal Mahmud Talukder, Public Mental Health Specialist and others.

Concluding the evening, attendees lighted up 413 candles in memory of the 403 students lost in 2025 and the 10 students who died following the 2026 SSC exam results, pledging a collective commitment to build a supportive environment where no more lives are lost.