Dhaka: The government has launched a pilot training programme aimed at reducing the increasing risk of suicide among adolescents, with a focus on ensuring their mental and emotional well-being. Under the guidance of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), the private mental health service provider “Moner Bondhu” has been conducting a survey and training programme to raise awareness among teachers and students.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the programme, funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and technically supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, has entered its second phase in four districts: Jashore, Jhenaidah, Sylhet, and Chapainawabganj. The survey will be conducted in selected upazilas within these districts, and if deemed successful, the initiative will be expanded further.
DSHE Director General Prof. Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel emphasized the necessity of strengthening students’ mental resilience beyond traditional education. Through the survey, they aim to develop a scientific, data-driven solution that could serve as a sustainable model for educational institutions.
Project officials have stated that the programme will provide direct awareness training to 20,000 students. The initiative also seeks to identify the root causes of suicide and produce a research paper that will inform a national suicide prevention policy.
DSHE Director (Planning and Development Wing) Professor Dr. Mir Zahida Naznin highlighted that the survey aims to mitigate adolescent suicide risk. The project includes identifying high-risk areas and reducing students’ psychological distress. If successful, there are plans to expand the initiative nationwide.
According to DSHE, during the second phase from April to August 2026, awareness training will be conducted in 200 educational institutions across the selected districts. Each institution will nominate 100 students for a special session designed to boost confidence and prevent suicidal tendencies. Additional workshops will be held for teachers and community stakeholders to further enhance understanding and intervention skills.
A recent directive from DSHE’s Planning and Development Wing has instructed Upazila Secondary Education Officers to provide necessary support for the survey’s implementation, ensuring it aligns with Education Ministry directives. Confidentiality of collected data is a priority, and a final report, along with an international-standard research paper, will be prepared upon completion.
DSHE Assistant Director (Planning and Development) Prof. Minhazuddin Ahmmed noted that family conflict and bullying are significant contributors to adolescent suicide. The project aims to equip teachers to recognize and address signs of distress in students through proper counseling.
Earlier, a preliminary assessment was conducted during the first phase to identify suicide risks and causes, leading to the development of a special module by a team of experts for the field implementation.
According to “Moner Bondhu,” approximately 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, with suicide emerging as a leading cause of death among adolescents in Bangladesh.