Sexual Abuse Behind 14 Student Suicides in Bangladesh in 2025

Sexual abuse was a contributing factor in 14 student suicides in Bangladesh last year, accounting for 3.47 percent of the total 403 cases, according to the 2025 annual report released by Aachol Foundation on Saturday (28 February).

The report, presented during an online press conference titled “Student Suicides: A Growing Crisis,” analyzed 165 local and national media reports on students' mental health. It found that 403 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas died by suicide across the country in 2025.

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

Level-wise analysis reveals the highest number of suicides occurred at the school level with 190 cases, representing 47.40 percent of the total. This is particularly concerning because school students are typically 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 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 look highlights a key variation: at school and college levels, female suicide rates are significantly higher than male rates. 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 note that this difference indicates 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 prospects, employment, and identity.

Cause-based analysis identifies depression (27.79 percent) and resentment (23.32 percent) as the two leading 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, with females accounting for the highest share 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 suicide of one female student, underscoring a new dimension of digital safety and online violence.

The organization stressed that these statistics expose a harsh reality about whether society can ensure mental safety for students. Lack of open family communication, absence of professional counseling in institutions, social humiliation or feelings of insult, and general ignorance about mental health are complicating the situation further.

It added that awareness messages alone are insufficient; structural changes are urgently required. Protecting students' lives is a moral, social, and national responsibility. The 2025 figures are not just a report but a warning for the future. Without immediate coordinated action, the crisis could worsen in the coming years.