State, institutions, and communities must step up to address the crisis

It is concerning to learn of the unchecked prevalence of suicides in Bangladesh. According to a report quoting sources at the Police Headquarters, some 13,491 people took their own lives between January and November in 2025, averaging 41 deaths per day. These findings are consistent with the annual figures provided by police in recent years. For instance, in the five years between 2020 and 2024, a total of 73,597 people had died by suicide, amounting to an average of 14,719 suicides per year or about 40 per day. These numbers are stark by any measure, and demand proper intervention.

The picture we get from these figures is not just one of a public health emergency—which is apparently the second-highest cause of death in the country—but also of a social crisis unfolding largely out of public sight. Many of those who died had been reportedly struggling with family disputes, marital tensions, financial strain, social isolation, untreated mental health challenges, etc. Yet, as revealed by a Samakal investigation, a striking number never sought professional help. The risks also amplify when people feel uncertain about their livelihoods, disconnected from support systems, or unable to rely on institutions during moments of distress. 

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 Some of the recent cases also reveal why both proper psychological care and social interventions are important. Housewife Hafeza Khatun (35) was perhaps the latest to die by suicide, on Monday, at a railway crossing in Pubail, Gazipur, along with her two children. Reportedly, she couldn’t be deterred despite being alerted by the gateman to an approaching train. Earlier, the deaths of the wife and infant of jailed Chhatra League leader Jewel Hasan Saddam—and the subsequent denial of parole to Saddam—made national headlines. The background stories of many such incidents show that vulnerability deepens when social or state support systems fail to intervene in time. Individuals navigating hardship alone are more likely to face such tragic consequences. 

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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The responsibility, therefore, cannot rest on families or individuals alone. While there is no alternative to raising awareness of mental health challenges and providing timely treatment, it is equally important that we build a strong support network so that troubled individuals do not feel abandoned. This requires coordinated efforts from the state, communities, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to ensure accessible counselling, early intervention, and the removal of stigma surrounding psychological care. Equally, strengthening social safety nets and fostering a culture of empathy can help people recognize that any crisis, however overwhelming, can be addressed with collective support. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16437