Barishal University Student Committed Suicide

The body of Shuvo Bairagi, a student of the 2020-21 session in the Bangla Department at Barishal University (BU), was recovered hanging at his home in Baulatali, Gopalganj, on Sunday morning (4 January). Police and family members believe it to be a case of suicide.

Before his death, on 1 January, Shuvo posted a long message on his Facebook account, revealing his identity, his girlfriend’s identity and photos, and describing the events of their romantic relationship. In the post, he held his girlfriend and her family responsible for his death.

In the Facebook post, Shuvo claimed that he had been in a relationship with a girl for more than two years. When he went to her house to wish her on her birthday, he was subjected to physical and mental torture by several members of her family. He alleged that he was beaten and forced under threat to make a false video in which he was compelled to confess to theft. This, he wrote, shattered his social honour and mental state.

Shuvo further wrote that his economic weakness was not accepted, and the humiliation and social degradation pushed him to take the extreme decision. He blamed specific individuals and what he called the “rotten social system” for his death, demanding legal punishment for those who instigated the suicide.

Chairman of the Bangla Department and Associate Professor Dr Sharmin Akter said: “We are deeply shocked by Shuvo’s death. His honours final examinations had just ended a few days ago. We are heartbroken to receive such news suddenly. We will look into the matters mentioned in his Facebook post. If any action is required from the university, we will take it.”

Fellow students of Shuvo described him as a meritorious and calm-natured person. News of his death has cast a shadow of grief across the university campus.

A fellow student from the Bangla Department, Julkar Naeem, said: “Shuvo did not actually commit suicide; he was practically murdered! I demand exemplary punishment for everyone involved in his murder.”