Rising student suicide rate is quite alarming

We are alarmed by the findings of the latest survey by Anchal Foundation on the prevalence of suicide among students across the country. According to the report, at least 403 students from schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas died by suicide in 2025, up from 310 in 2024. Even more troubling is that nearly half of them—190 students—were school children. In addition, 92 college students, 77 university students, and 44 madrasa students also died by suicide during this period. The survey also found that suicide rates were higher among female students, 249 being girls. The situation is deeply disturbing and exposes our collective neglect towards students’ mental health.

At the school level, 139 girls died by suicide compared with 51 boys, suggesting that adolescent girls may be particularly vulnerable to family pressures, social scrutiny and emotional distress. At the university level, male students slightly outnumbered females, reflecting stressors such as career uncertainty and anxieties about future. Depression, emotional stress, family disputes, mental instability, and sexual abuse remain major causes of suicide, while children face increasing harassment in digital spaces. For school students, competitive environments and exam-related stress are significant drivers. Urban alienation and fragmented family life may further heighten emotional vulnerability, particularly in the Dhaka division, which recorded the highest number of cases.

Apart from students, suicide rates among people of all ages remain alarmingly high. A recent report found that around 13,491 people died by suicide between January and November 2025—an average of 41 deaths per day. This underscores the urgent need for proper intervention in suicide prevention nationwide. Unfortunately, counselling services are scarce in most educational institutions, especially at the school level. Teachers are rarely trained to recognise early signs of depression or anxiety, while parents often miss subtle behavioural changes. The stigma surrounding mental health further discourages open conversation, leaving students to internalise distress until it becomes overwhelming.

To address the rising crisis of students’ suicides, all educational institutions must provide comprehensive mental health support and screening. Teachers should be trained to recognise early signs of stress, depression, and anxiety, while primary school teachers should receive psychosocial training to support children’s emotional development. Regular awareness programmes should be organised to strengthen communication between students and parents, and sustained media campaigns are needed to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help. The state, educational institutions, and communities must work together to create safe, supportive spaces where students feel heard and valued.