Mental health experts and activists today called for the repeal of the colonial-era law criminalising attempted suicide during a gathering and candlelight vigil at TSC on Dhaka University campus to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The event, themed “Changing the Conversation, Strengthening Prevention, Saving Lives”, was organised by the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF), the TSC Student Guidance Office, and the Nasirullah Psychotherapy Unit of Dhaka University’s Department of Clinical Psychology.
Citing police records, organisers said 76,361 people died by suicide between 2020 and 2024, while another 13,491 died between January and November 2025.
Media reports noted 513 student suicides in 2023, 310 in 2024 and 403 in 2025. At least 10 student suicides were reported nationwide after the 2026 SSC results were published on August 10.
Speakers repeatedly pointed to Section 309 of the Penal Code, 1860, which remains in force and provides for up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both for attempted suicide.
Prof Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury of Dhaka University’s Clinical Psychology Department said the law criminalises people already in distress and called for suicide-prevention centres in all 503 upazilas.
Imdadul Haque Talukdar, a public mental health specialist, cited WHO estimates on high out-of-pocket health expenditure in Bangladesh and pointed to New Zealand’s “wellbeing budget” as a model for prioritising mental health spending.
Ahommed Takbir Araf, coordinator of TeenTeen, a youth helpline, said 70 to 80 percent of mental health conditions emerge between ages 13 and 19, but parents and teachers often dismiss the signs.
Mahmuda Rahman Khan, COO of the Global Center of Excellence, said, “No one who attempts suicide truly wants to die. They cannot see a way out of the problem consuming them.”
Organisers called on government, institutions, health professionals, media and families to strengthen suicide-prevention strategies, support pathways, responsible reporting and open conversations, linking efforts to SDG target 3.4.
The event ended with a candlelight vigil.
