Bangladesh is facing a serious public health crisis as suicide rates rise sharply. Police records show that 76,361 people died by suicide between 2020 and 2024. This means more than 15,000 lives are lost each year. These numbers are much higher than global estimates for the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated around 4,714 suicides in Bangladesh for 2021. However, police records for the same year showed 15,774 suicides. This is more than three times the WHO figure. Young people are at higher risk of suicide.
Family problems, relationship conflicts, and mental distress are common reasons. Depression, unemployment, and pressure from studies also increase risk. Experts say better data collection is crucial. They also stress the need for mental health services. Restricting access to deadly items like pesticides is another key step.
These issues were discussed at a meeting in Dhaka on Sunday. The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) hosted the event. It was organized by the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, WHO, and icddr,b. This was part of the WHO’s “Live Life: Suicide Prevention in Bangladesh” project.
Participants also talked about changing the law that punishes attempted suicide. Under current law, trying to take one’s life is a crime. It can lead to a year in prison or a fine. Many speakers said people who attempt suicide need help and care, not punishment. They are often in deep distress.
Mohammad Sohel Shamik from icddr,b shared the police data. He said the actual number of suicides might be even higher. This is because not all cases are reported. Fear and social stigma also stop people from reporting suicide attempts.
The highest number of suicides was recorded in Jashore district. Between 2022 and 2025, Jashore had 1,454 suicide cases. Other districts with high numbers include Dhaka, Cumilla, and Dinajpur.
Anika Tasnim Hossain, an icddr,b scientist, said data should come from hospitals, police, and communities. Combining these sources would give a clearer picture. She mentioned a pilot project collecting data in four sub-districts.
Professor Fowara Tasnim from the Directorate General of Health Services said the law on attempted suicide should be reviewed. She believes it should either be removed or changed. Many countries, including Britain, have already stopped criminalizing suicide attempts.
Pesticides are a common method of suicide in Bangladesh. These are easily available to farmers. Experts suggested better control over pesticides. In some parts of India, farmers get pesticides through cooperatives. This has helped reduce suicides. Sri Lanka and South Korea also saw fewer suicides after banning certain pesticides.
Professor Safiun Nahar, head of the National Institute of Mental Health, chaired the event. She said changing policies can be hard. But, she added, regulating pesticides is an achievable goal.
