513 students die by suicide in Bangladesh in 2023: Aachol Foundation
Girls account for 60.2% of the suicides recorded last year
At least 513 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas died by suicide across the country in 2023, according to a survey by Aachol Foundation, a non-profit organisation.
Among the deceased, 227 (44.2%) were school students, 140 (27.2%) were college students, 98 (19.1%) were university students and 48 (9.4%) were madrasa students, revealed the study report published at a virtual press conference yesterday.
According to the report, 60.2% of the deceased were girls, whereas boys accounted for 39.8% of the suicides recorded last year.
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The predominant factor contributing to suicides by students was emotion, encompassing 32.2% of cases, affecting 165 students. On the other hand, romantic relationships and academic failures also caused many students to take their own lives.
Dhaka division witnessed the highest number of student suicides, with 149 cases, whereas Sylhet reported the lowest, with 12 students dying by suicide.
Speaking at a press conference, Aachol Foundation President Tansen Rose said authorities must take the issue seriously to protect the future of the country from destruction.
The organisation recommended regular mental health screenings for all students at least once a month.
Additionally, it also recommended establishing mental health corners in educational institutions and introducing a toll-free national hotline to ensure swift and accessible mental health care.
