By Najiur Rahman Sohel

DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - The government has taken an initiative to conduct a pilot training programme to reduce the growing risk of suicide among adolescents and to ensure their mental and emotional well-being.

Under the supervision of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), the private mental health service provider "Moner Bondhu" has been implementing a survey. Under the survey and training programme, teachers and students receive awareness training. 

Funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and guided technically by the National Institute of Mental Health, the second phase of the "Live Life" programme has begun in four specific districts of Jashore, Jhenaidah, Sylhet, and Chapainawabganj.

According to DSHE, the survey will be conducted among adolescents in selected upazilas of these districts (Sadar and Shibganj in Chapainawabganj, Sadar and Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Sadar and Jhikargachha in Jashore, and Sadar and Bishwanath in Sylhet). If successful, the programme will be expanded based on practical considerations.

DSHE Director General Prof. Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel told BSS that the government is closely monitoring the recent rise in suicidal tendencies among adolescents.

Beyond textbook education, strengthening students' mental resilience is now essential, he said adding that through this survey they aim to find a scientific, data-driven solution that can serve as a sustainable model for educational institutions in the future.

Project officials stated that under this survey, 20,000 students will receive direct awareness training.

At the same time, the root causes of suicide will be identified, and an internationally standard research paper will be prepared, which will help form the basis for a national suicide prevention policy.

About the survey, DSHE Director (Planning and Development Wing) Professor Dr. Mir Zahida Naznin said the survey has been launched to mitigate the risk of suicide among adolescents. 

Following a feasibility assessment, initial activities have already begun to identify high-risk areas and reduce students' psychological distress, she said adding after completion, the results and reports will be carefully reviewed. 

If project success is ensured, there are plans to implement it nationwide on a larger scale, she said.

According to DSHE, during the second phase (April-August 2026), awareness training will be provided in 200 educational institutions across the four selected districts. 

Each institution will nominate 100 students, allowing a total of 20,000 students to participate. They will attend a one-hour special session aimed at boosting confidence and preventing suicidal tendencies.

Additionally, under the survey, eight separate workshops will be held for 288 teachers and community stakeholders. 

Workshops have already been held from April 25-27 in Chapainawabganj and Sylhet, with more scheduled from May 3-5 in Jashore and Jhenaidah. 

Trained teachers will act as "focal persons" in their institutions and monitor behavioral changes among students.

A recent order from DSHE's Planning and Development Wing has instructed Upazila Secondary Education Officers (USEO) to provide necessary support for implementing the survey.

DSHE has set several conditions for implementing the project which include conducting activities under the supervision of USEOs and aligning them with relevant directives and circulars of Education Ministry and DSHE. 

Awareness sessions and data collection must not disrupt regular academic activities, and no activities contrary to national or religious values are allowed.

According to the conditions, all modules and implementation processes will be directly monitored by DSHE officials. Confidentiality of collected data must be strictly maintained. 

A final report must be submitted to DSHE, followed by the preparation of an international-standard research paper in coordination with the directorate.

DSHE Assistant Director (Planning and Development) Prof. Minhazuddin Ahmmed said research shows that, along with family conflict, bullying in educational institutions is one of the major causes of suicide among adolescents. 

"Through this project, we are training teachers as 'trainers' so they can identify loneliness or abnormal behavior in students and provide proper counseling," he said.

Earlier, during the first phase (November-December 2025), a preliminary assessment was conducted in these four districts to identify suicide risks and causes. A special module was also developed by a team of 20 experts for field implementation.

According to "Moner Bondhu," recent statistics show that around 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, and in Bangladesh, suicide has emerged as one of the leading causes of death among adolescents.