THE escalating suicide rates among students in Bangladesh present a grave and complex issue, influenced by a host of socio-economic and psychological factors. Media reported that 513 students took their own lives in 2023, of which 227 are school students.听Contributing factors include family discord, mental health struggles, academic stress, high expectations from parents and educators, sexual harassment, substance abuse, romantic disappointments, hormonal imbalances in teenagers, and internet addiction.听
Bangladeshi students are subjected to immense pressure to excel academically, feeling the weight of expectations from themselves, their families, and society. Many students, particularly those preparing for their Secondary School Certificate exams, face overwhelming stress, with some tragically resorting to suicide over exam results. Students from impoverished backgrounds who excel academically often feel disapointed and hopeless if their aspirations are not realised. According to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the rural divorce rate stood at 1.1 per cent in 2023. Parental separation can significantly affect students, leading to feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, anger, and even self-blame, all of which can heighten the risk of suicide.
Students are grappling with substantial academic difficulties due to frequent school closures, the introduction of a new curriculum, and various systemic issues within the education sector. These prolonged closures, coupled with a disengaging curriculum, hinder students鈥� academic progress, goal-setting, and the cultivation of a positive learning environment. The situation is particularly dire for rural students who face resource constraints, fewer extracurricular opportunities, and limited teacher-student interactions.
Furthermore, monthly meetings designed to support students are not being conducted as intended, exacerbating feelings of isolation and increasing the risk of serious mental health issues, including depression and suicide. The School Level Improvement Plan, aimed at enhancing school performance and student support, is not widely implemented, further undermining the quality of education and student well-being.
Romantic relationships can be particularly intense for students. A study published in the Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (March 2023) found that individuals who are in a romantic relationship are 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide and 1.3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. During adolescence, hormonal imbalances can exacerbate emotions like heartbreak and rejection, making these feelings more difficult to manage. This is especially concerning for students already struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, further elevating their suicide risk. Internet overuse is another significant factor contributing to student suicides. Eighty-six per cent of students experience mental health issues due to excessive internet use. Constant exposure to online bullying, unrealistic standards, and harmful content can lead to profound feelings of isolation and despair.
Sexual harassment remains a critical issue affecting students鈥� mental health. Research by the Population Council indicates that up to 76 per cent of teenage girls in Bangladesh have experienced some form of sexual abuse within educational institutions. The trauma and shame associated with harassment can have devastating psychological effects, leading many students to suffer in silence, fearing judgement or disbelief if they speak out. This emotional distress and loneliness can foster feelings of hopelessness, driving some to view suicide as their only escape. Drug addiction among students is another growing concern in Bangladesh.
Under the Penal Code of 1860, suicide is classified as a criminal offense. Comprehensive mental health programmes, supportive family environments, and reduced academic pressure are crucial to preventing such tragedies. The question of whether attempted suicide should be considered a crime is a legal issue that needs to be revisited. In Bangladesh, attempting suicide is punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code of 1860, with penalties including up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Additionally, abetment of suicide is criminalised under Section 306, carrying penalties of up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine. In contrast, many countries have decriminalised attempted suicide, recognising it as a mental health issue rather than a criminal act. For instance, India effectively decriminalised Section 309 in 2017 through amendments to the Mental Healthcare Act, which mandates treatment rather than punishment for those who attempt suicide. Similarly, the United Kingdom decriminalised suicide and attempted suicide in 1961.
The rise in student suicides in Bangladesh necessitates immediate and effective intervention. Parents play a pivotal role in suicide prevention by being vigilant for signs of distress, fostering open communication, and setting realistic expectations. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle and seeking professional help when necessary are also crucial. Schools should remain open and offer alternative learning options during closures. The curriculum must be revised, and teachers should receive training to better support students. Rural schools require more resources and extracurricular activities. Schools should also offer financial aid and academic support to students from low-income families and provide counselling for those facing family issues, especially parental separation.Regular meetings with parents and students should be reinstated to provide necessary support. Expanding the school-level improvement plan and enhancing mental health services in schools are essential.
The government and others concerned should consider establishing 24/7 helplines that can provide immediate assistance to students with suicidal thoughts. Additionally, creating internet rescue camps to reduce addiction through counselling, therapy, and educational programs and promoting direct communication in social and family interactions instead of internet dependence can help address this issue. Educating parents on how to support their children and encouraging open dialogue are vital. Bangladesh鈥檚 outdated law criminalising attempted suicide is detrimental and fosters a culture where individuals are afraid to seek help for mental health issues. Treating suicide as a crime rather than a health problem is ineffective. Decriminalising suicide would encourage individuals to seek the help they need without fear of punishment. Enhancing mental health services, raising awareness, and reducing stigma are critical steps in preventing suicide and saving lives.
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Sumaya Binta Moslem studies law and human rights at University of Asia Pacific.
