Alarming rise in suicide rates among university students in Bangladesh

Every year, the World Health Organisation celebrates World Suicide Prevention Day. Since 2003, there have been several activities held globally to raise awareness of suicide prevention on September 10th. "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" is the triennial topic for World Suicide Prevention Day in 2024-2026, along with the call to action "Start the Conversation." To prevent suicides, this subject seeks to increase awareness of the significance of lowering stigma and promoting candid discussions.

We are surely living in the best of time because there has never been more material affluence with the availability of modern technology in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, yet we also live in the wors of times because many social health indicators, including teen suicide, mental depression, rates of divorce, are on the rise not only in Bangladesh but across the world. The suicide rate among university students in Bangladesh has seen a troubling increase in recent years, raising concerns among educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. This trend underscores the urgent need for improved mental health support and intervention strategies within academic institutions. The recent rise of suicide rates among the teens, more specifically among the students of Bangladesh, reflects the deterioration of the status of our social health. A recent study “The Increasing Suicide Rate of University Students in Bangladesh: A Sociological Investigation” published in the CMU Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities highlights a sharp rise in suicides among Bangladeshi university students. The research, conducted by Dr. Rasel Hussain of East West University and Tahmina Yesmin Shova of Dhaka University, reveals that the incidence of suicide among tertiary students is alarmingly high, with public university students being particularly vulnerable. According to the study, the main factors driving this increase include academic pressure, family expectations, relationship issues, and a lack of adequate mental health resources. The study also points out that female students are more susceptible to suicidal tendencies compared to their male counterparts.

In recent years, there have been several cases of suicides taken place among university students in Bangladesh, each shedding light on the multifaceted pressures faced by young adults in academia. Ayesha Rahman (pseudo name), a 21-year-old student at Dhaka University, who took her own life in March 2024. Friends and family reported that she struggled with severe academic pressure and familial expectations. Rafiq Ahmed, a 22-year-old engineering student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who committed suicide in January 2024. He had been facing immense stress due to academic performance and financial difficulties. Another student, Salma Begum, a 20-year-old student at Rajshahi University, who ended her life in February 2024. She had been dealing with relationship issues and a lack of emotional support from her immediate circle.

The study findings suggested that student suicide rates in 2023 are close to 2022. In 2022, 532 students at schools, colleges, universities and madrasas committed suicide in the country. According to the Achal foundation a local NGO data, in 2023, 204 male students (about 40 percent) and 309 female students (more than 60 percent) committed suicide, totalling 513. Out of a total of 513 students, 67 percent are between 13 and 19 years of age. Among them, 227 are school students (44 percent of total students), 140 are college students (27 percent), 98 are university students (19 percent) and 48 are madrasa students (more than 9 percent). And 149 students have committed suicide in Dhaka Division alone. Anchal said, out of 513 students, the number of public university students is 19, Dhaka University and Chittagong University have more incidents. 26 students at National University, 14 students at Private University, 7 students of Science and Technology University, 6 students at Medical College, 5 students at Nursing Institute, 3 students at Engineering University, 2 students at Polytechnic Institute and 15 other students committed suicide.

The reasons behind these suicides are complex and varied, but common factors discovered in the study includes the intense competition and high expectations within the academic environment, which create overwhelming stress for many students. Cultural norms and expectations from families to excel academically and secure a prosperous future add to the pressure. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are prevalent among students, often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health. Many universities lack adequate mental health resources, and there is a general absence of supportive networks for students to turn to in times of crisis. Economic challenges and the burden of tuition fees and living expenses contribute significantly to students' mental health struggles. Similarly, Achal foundation also revealed that among the students who committed suicide back in 2023 among them suicide rates for emotional reasons such as pride and love relationships are high, at 47 percent.  165 people committed suicide due to egoistic reasons, 15 due to love affair, about 10 due to mental problems, 6 due to family quarrels, 1 due to domestic violence, about 5 due to academic pressure, about 4 due to failure in exams, about 2 due to failure to achieve desired results, about 3 due to sexual harassment and so on.

In Bangladesh, rapid societal changes and the pressures of modernity appear to exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair among students. Despite the establishment of student counseling centers in many universities, the effectiveness of these services remains limited. The study found that none of the 26 Dhaka University students who committed suicide since 2005 had visited the university’s counseling center. This highlights a critical gap in mental health support and the need for more proactive measures to address students' emotional well-being. The availability and quality of mental health services in Bangladesh lag behind those in many developed countries, making the issue even more pressing.
The rising suicide rates among university students in Bangladesh reflect a complex interplay of academic, social, and psychological factors. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being and helps students navigate the challenges of academic life. To effectively tackle the rising suicide rates among university students in Bangladesh, a multi-dimensional approach is required, considering the socio-cultural context of the society. The study suggested that universities must improve their mental health support systems by ensuring that counseling centers are well-equipped and accessible. Regular mental health screenings and confidential counseling sessions should be made mandatory. Implement training programs for faculty and staff to recognise signs of mental distress and provide appropriate support and referrals. Launch awareness campaigns to educate students, families, and communities about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Utilise social media, workshops, and seminars to reach a wider audience. Establish peer support groups where students can share their experiences and offer mutual support in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Introduce reforms that balance academic rigor with well-being, such as reducing the emphasis on high-stakes exams and incorporating more holistic assessment methods. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as sports, arts, and community service. Educate parents about the pressures their children face and the importance of providing emotional support and understanding. Develop community-based support networks where students can find additional help and mentorship outside the university setting. The government should allocate funding for mental health programs and research within educational institutions. Policies should be implemented to ensure that mental health services are integrated into the overall health care system for students. Encourage collaboration between universities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and mental health professionals to develop comprehensive mental health strategies and support mechanisms.

The rise in suicides among university students in Bangladesh is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action from all sectors of society. By enhancing mental health services, raising awareness, and fostering a supportive academic and social environment, we can work towards mitigating this crisis and ensuring the well-being of our young adults. Addressing the root causes within the socio-cultural context of Bangladesh is essential for creating a more supportive and understanding society.

The writer is the Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, and Assistant Proctor, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He can be reached at: [email protected].