Rajshahi University has recorded at least 16 student suicides from 2019 through June of the current year, according to information from the university proctor’s office, public relations office and published reports. The deaths have raised renewed concerns about mental-health protection, counselling services and suicide prevention at the university. Most of the students were living outside residential halls, in messes, hostels or rented homes near campus.

The reported incidents occurred in locations including Meherchandi, Mirzapur, Binodpur and Amzader Mor, as well as students’ homes. Psychologists cited academic pressure, family expectations, relationship strain, career uncertainty and loneliness as factors that can severely affect students’ mental wellbeing, while stressing that the specific cause of each death requires separate investigation and accounts from those involved.

Mental Health Centre chief physician Professor Murshida Ferdous Binte Habib said social, psychological and financial factors can contribute to suicidal thoughts. Students have called for more accessible counselling, awareness programmes in departments and halls, and crisis support for those living outside campus. Proctor Professor Dr Mahbubur Rahman said counselling is being provided through the mental health centre and other cells, while the proctor’s office monitors such issues regularly.