Jhenaidah has been rocked by a disturbing surge in suicides, with 301 people taking their own lives in 2025, laying bare deep-rooted mental health challenges, intense social pressures and gaps in public safety.
Women account for a disproportionate share of the deaths, heightening concerns over their vulnerability, according to official data.
Of the total cases, 182 people hanged themselves, while 119 died after consuming poison.
Abdur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Development Center (RDC), a human rights organisation based in Maheshpur, revealed the statistics.
In 2025, he said, 168 women and 133 men committed suicide in the district. In comparison, 319 people killed themselves in 2024—152 men and 167 women. In 2023, the total was 328, and in 2022, it was 323.
A statistical analysis shows that the number of suicides in 2025 has slightly decreased compared to the last four years.
Jhenaidah Sadar recorded the highest number with 79 cases, followed by Shailkupa, 67, Maheshpur, 46, Harinakunda and Kaliganj (43 each), and Kotchandpur, 23.
Of those who hanged themselves, 109 were women and 73 were men, while among those who consumed poison, 57 were women and 62 were men.
The statistics were compiled using multiple sources, including monthly reports from the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon's Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
Over the past four years, a total of 1,271 people committed suicide in the district, with women making up a relatively higher proportion of the victims.
Maheshpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Helena Akter Nipa said women are more prone to suicide due to emotional vulnerability.
She cited social factors such as drug addiction, unemployment, mental health issues, family conflicts, failed relationships, extramarital affairs and poverty as contributing causes.
In this regard, Kazir Nazir Uddin, chairman of Sadhuhati Union under Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, told UNB that suicide has become a serious problem in the district.
He said people are very emotionally sensitive and often take their own lives over minor issues.
Although the district administration is holding awareness meetings in the union, the number of suicides has not reduced significantly, Nazir said, adding that the situation is slightly better than last year.
“Suicidal incidents could be reduced to some extent if strong family bonds and religious values were developed in every household,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district Abdullah Al Masud emphasised the media’s responsible role in suicide prevention.
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“Suicidal incidents must be reported carefully to avoid inciting others. Expanding counseling services is crucial, as timely psychological support can help individuals in crisis,” he said.
DC Masud pointed out that the district administration has continued field-level awareness activities to prevent suicide and urged people from all walks of life to participate in these efforts.