403 Student Suicide Cases in 2025, Mostly Due to Depression and Resentment

Student suicides in Bangladesh have increased worryingly. In 2025, a total of 403 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas took their own lives. A large portion of these cases stemmed from depression and resentment toward family or circumstances. The voluntary organization Aachol Foundation released this information on Saturday (28 February) through an online press conference titled “Student Suicides: A Growing Crisis.”

The report analyzed news published in 165 local and national media outlets on students' mental health. According to the data, 403 students died by suicide across the country in 2025.

The organization stated that this number is not just a statistic but a reflection of limitations in family structures, social relationships, and mental health support systems. Aachol Foundation's previous data shows: 101 university students in 2021, 532 students in 2022, 513 students in 2023, and 310 students in 2024 died by suicide.

Analysis of education levels reveals that the highest number of suicides occurred at the school level with 190 cases, accounting for 47.40 percent of the total. This is particularly concerning because school students are usually in early adolescence, a highly sensitive phase for mental and emotional development.

At the college level, 92 students (22.8 percent), at university level 77 students (19.10 percent), and at madrasa level 44 students (10.72 percent) died by suicide.

Gender-based analysis shows that among the total 403 cases, 249 (61.8 percent) were female students and 154 (38.2 percent) were male students.

A deeper review highlights an important variation. At school and college levels, the suicide rate among female students is significantly higher than among males. In schools, 139 females and 51 males; in colleges, 50 females and 42 males. However, at the university level, male students slightly outnumber females: 41 males versus 36 females. In madrasas, 24 females and 20 males died by suicide.

Experts say this difference indicates that adolescent girls are more vulnerable to social and family pressure, relationship conflicts, and emotional crises. At higher education levels, male students may face greater uncertainty about future, employment, and identity issues.

Cause-based analysis shows depression (27.79 percent) and resentment (23.32 percent) as the two biggest factors. For depression, 62 females (55.35 percent) and 50 males (44.65 percent); for resentment, 58 females (61.70 percent) and 36 males (38.29 percent).

Academic pressure led to 72 suicides, mostly among school and college students, where female students accounted for the highest number at 70.83 percent. Love-related issues caused 53 suicides (13.15 percent), family conflicts 32 (7.94 percent), mental instability 25 (6.20 percent), and sexual abuse 14 (3.47 percent).

Cyberbullying was also a factor in the death of one female student, highlighting a new dimension of digital safety and online violence.

The organization emphasized that these statistics present a stark reality about whether we can ensure mental safety for students. Lack of open communication in families, absence of professional counseling in educational institutions, social humiliation or feelings of insult, and ignorance about mental health are making the situation more complicated.

It further stated that awareness messages alone are not enough; structural changes are urgently needed. Protecting students' lives is our moral, social, and national responsibility. The 2025 statistics are not just a report but a warning for the future. If coordinated efforts are not taken now, the situation could become even more severe in the coming years.