Jhenaidah sees sharp rise in suicides

At least 189 people died by suicide in Jhenaidah during the first six months of 2026, marking a sharp rise from the 125 recorded during the same period last year.

Of the 189 victims, 92 were men and 97 were women, according to data presented by human rights organisation Research and Development Collective (RDC) at a press conference in the district on Monday. The figure represents a 51% increase year-on-year, raising fresh concerns over the growing incidence of suicide in the district.

The organisation said it collected and cross-checked the data from various sources, including information from the district Civil Surgeon’s Office and the district administration.

According to the RDC data, Jhenaidah Sadar recorded the highest number of suicides during the January-June period, with 59 deaths: 30 men and 29 women. Shailkupa ranked second with 44 deaths, including 18 men and 26 women.

Harinakundu recorded 25 suicides, including 10 men and 15 women, while 21 people: 14 men and seven women, died by suicide in Kotchandpur. Kaliganj and Maheshpur together recorded 20 deaths, including 12 men and eight women.

RDC Executive Chief Md Abdur Rahman said the trend of suicide among men had increased during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Income uncertainty, financial hardship, family conflicts, relationship problems, depression, mental distress and drug addiction may contribute to suicidal behaviour, he said, adding that hanging and poisoning were among the most common methods.

Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon Dr Md Kamruzzaman described the rising suicide rate as a matter of concern. He said emotional distress, mental pressure and social and family problems could contribute to such incidents, adding that administrative measures alone would not be sufficient to address the problem. “Alongside raising social awareness, counselling and advocacy activities need to be strengthened. Regular discussions should be held with young people and parents to help them recognise mental distress,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain said no single factor could be blamed for the rise in suicides. “Drug addiction, domestic violence, mental stress and financial hardship may all play a role,” he said.

He said the district administration, in coordination with Upazila Nirbahi Officers and women’s affairs officials, was conducting awareness programmes in different areas. An awareness drama aimed at suicide prevention is also being prepared for staging across the district.

According to district administration, police and NGO data, more than 2,041 people died by suicide in the six upazilas of Jhenaidah between 2016 and October 2026.

Officials and rights activists said stressed early identification of people at risk, supportive family environments and accessible mental health and counselling services at the grassroots level.