254 suicide attempts in 10 months, 31 die at Fakirhat

FAKIHRAT, BAGERHAT, Sept 9: At least 254 people received treatment after attempting suicide in Fakihrat Upazila of Bagerhat between November 2025 and August 2026, while 31 others died by suicide during the period.

The figures were compiled from records of Fakihrat Upazila Health Complex, Model Police Station and several private clinics.

The attempts involved poisoning, hanging and other methods. The people treated after suicide attempts were aged between nine and 70, with women accounting for 87 percent. Around 70 percent of those attempting suicide were aged between 14 and 30.

The actual number of suicide attempts and deaths may be higher, concerned officials said.

Many critically ill patients are referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital and other advanced healthcare facilities, and such cases may not appear in upazila-level records. Some incidents are also kept hidden because of social stigma and family concerns.

Despite the worrying trend, Fakihrat has no effective mental health services. The upazila health complex has no psychiatrist, psychologist or trained counsellor.

As a result, people who attempt suicide receive treatment for their physical conditions but often do not receive proper counselling or treatment for the mental health problems behind their actions.

Sukumar Bhattacharya, a statistician at the health complex, said 13 children under the age of 12 were among those treated after suicide attempts during the 10-month period.

He said the children had attempted suicide by hanging or consuming pesticides, sleeping pills, multiple drugs, Harpic, Savlon and kerosene.

Dr Md Asaduzzaman Sagor, Health Officer at Fakihrat Upazila Health Complex, said 234 cases of poisoning had been treated at the facility.

“Women accounted for most of these cases. Among married women aged 15 to 30, marital disputes and early marriage were major factors behind poisoning incidents. Family conflicts and unemployment were among the main factors for men,” he said.

He said family awareness, counselling and mental health services needed to be strengthened to reduce poisoning incidents.

“But there is no mental health specialist in the upazila, or even trained personnel for counselling. So although patients receive physical treatment, their mental health needs remain largely unaddressed,” he added.

Health officials said mental stress, depression, excessive dependence on mobile phones and digital screens, family conflicts, immature romantic relationships, sexual harassment, unemployment and socioeconomic problems can contribute to suicidal tendencies.

Rapid urbanisation and difficulties linked to climate change may also increase mental stress, they said.

Among the eight unions of the upazila, suicide attempts are reportedly more common in Bahirdia-Mansa, Naldha-Maubhog, Lakhpur and Fakihrat Sadar.

On August 27, a 14-year-old Class IX student in Bahirdia attempted suicide following a family dispute over mobile phone use.

Her relatives rushed her to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where she recovered after treatment.

Doctors said the girl appeared to have taken the step amid temporary mental stress and frustration.

Fakihrat UNO Mohammad Rokonuzzaman said the administration was giving importance to mental health issues among adolescents.

“We are holding meetings with students of Classes VII to X at educational institutions on mental health, stress, frustration and depression. Officials from the secondary education and women and children affairs departments, as well as doctors, also attend these programmes,” he said.

“However, family members also need to come forward with empathy and support in the current situation,” he added.