Experts and suicide prevention advocates have called for changing society’s conventional perception of suicide and bringing suicidal behaviour fully under the scope of mental healthcare.
They said suicidal behaviour should be prioritised as an important public health issue. If any family member, friend, classmate or colleague shows signs of suicidal tendencies, immediate response, empathy, listening to their unspoken concerns, helping them find solutions, and, above all, seeking counselling and professional mental health support are essential.
They made the remarks at a seminar titled “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” at the RC Majumdar Auditorium of Dhaka University on Thursday (September 10), marking World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.
The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation (BTF), a voluntary organisation working for suicide prevention, organised the seminar.
Earlier, a rally was brought out from in front of the RC Majumdar Auditorium. It passed through Madhur Canteen and the DUCSU Building before ending at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla.
Delivering the keynote speech, Professor Dr Farzana Rahman of the National Institute of Mental Health said, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide.
Around 77 per cent of suicides globally occur in low- and middle-income countries, she said.
“Access to the highest standard of mental healthcare is a right of every person,” she said, stressing that suicidal behaviour must be prioritised as an important public health issue and receive the necessary attention.
BTF Founder President Joyshree Zaman, in her presidential address, said institutional changes were necessary to change the prevailing narrative surrounding suicide.
“This means advocating for multidimensional policies that prioritise mental health, expand access to treatment and provide support when necessary,” she said.
She stressed the need to foster empathy and compassion towards people going through difficult times.
“Thoughts and feelings of suicide involve immense pain and suffering. Showing empathy, listening to suicidal individuals and offering them support are essential,” she said.
Professor (retd) Kazi Lutfun Nesa of Adamjee Cantonment College, US-based freelance journalist Kabita Dilawar and Inner Wheel Club of Oasis Dhaka District 345 President Sadia Zinat also spoke at the event.
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Deputy Chief News Editor and poet Junan Nashit and BTF adviser, writer, researcher and cultural activist Emily Zaman recited self-written poems and delivered speeches.
