Female Students Show Significantly Higher Suicide Rate in Bangladesh

The suicide rate among female students in Bangladesh is markedly higher than among males. In the past year, out of 403 students who died by suicide nationwide, 249 were female, representing 61.8 percent of the total. In contrast, 154 were male, accounting for 38.2 percent. This information comes from the 2025 annual report published by Aachol Foundation on Saturday (28 February).

According to the report, the disparity is particularly noticeable at the school and college levels. At the school level, 139 female students died by suicide compared to 51 males. Similarly, at the college level, 50 females and 42 males took their own lives. At the university level, the pattern shifts slightly, with 36 females and 41 males.

Several specific factors have been identified behind this high rate among female students. Among the 72 suicides linked to academic pressure, 70.83 percent were female. In cases driven by resentment, 61.70 percent were female. Among those driven by depression, 55.35 percent were female students.

Age-based analysis shows the highest suicide rate among 13 to 19-year-olds. In this age group, 190 females and 78 males died by suicide. Experts believe that during adolescence, girls become more vulnerable due to social and family pressures, relationship tensions, and emotional crises. Sexual abuse and cyberbullying also contribute significantly to female student suicides.

To address this situation, Aachol Foundation has proposed several urgent measures, including regular mental health check-ups for students in all educational institutions, training for teachers and peers to identify signs of depression or anxiety, and special programs to strengthen communication between parents and students.