Bangladeshi women have the highest suicide rate in South Asia: Lancet

Although global suicide rates have declined, Bangladesh continues to have a relatively high suicide rate. It is one of the most suicide-prone countries in South Asia. Notably, Bangladesh has the highest suicide rate in South Asia among women aged 10 to 29.

This finding was highlighted in an article published in the scientific journal The Lancet, which analyzed global suicide trends from 1990 to 2021.

According to the report, researchers analyzed suicide data from 204 countries. In 1990, the global suicide rate was 14.9 per 100,000 people. By 2021, this figure had decreased to 9 per 100,000. According to the report, Eastern European countries had the highest suicide rates, with 19.2 suicides per 100,000 people.

Bangladesh is one of the most suicide-prone countries in South Asia. In 2021, the suicide rate in South Asia was 11.4 per 100,000, higher than the global average of 9. While the suicide rate among women is lower than that of men, it remains a serious concern, according to the report. Bangladesh also has the highest suicide rate in South Asia among women aged 10 to 29. The suicide rate for women aged 30 to 49 is similarly high. Additionally, among the elderly, Bangladesh exhibits the highest suicide rate.

The report concludes that suicide is a critical public health issue in Bangladesh, which can be prevented through effective policies, mental health services, awareness initiatives, and legal reforms.