Half of Student Suicides in Bangladesh Occur at School Level

Student suicides in Bangladesh have risen alarmingly. Over the past year, 403 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas took their own lives across the country. The situation is most severe at the school level, where 190 students died, accounting for 47.40 percent of the total cases. This information comes from the 2025 annual report published by Aachol Foundation on Saturday (28 February).

The report states that school-going students are mainly in their sensitive adolescent years, a crucial period for mental and emotional development. Gender analysis shows female students are far more affected than males. Of the 190 school-level suicides, 139 were girls and 51 were boys. Experts believe girls become more vulnerable during adolescence due to social and family pressure and emotional crises.

Among the main causes of school student suicides, resentment toward family ranks highest at 32.61 percent. Academic pressure contributed to 23.69 percent, while depression or hopelessness led to 19.47 percent. Other factors include love-related issues, family conflicts, and sexual abuse.

Age-based statistics show the highest suicide rate among 13 to 19-year-olds, making up 66.50 percent of total cases. Division-wise, Dhaka Division recorded the highest number with 118 student suicides, possibly influenced by urbanization and competitive education systems.

Aachol Foundation has set a target to reduce student suicides to zero by 2030. The report stresses that lack of open communication in families and the absence of professional counseling in educational institutions are making the situation more complex. Beyond awareness, it calls for urgent structural changes and coordinated efforts to save students' lives.