Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised an awareness rally and discussion on Friday in Agailjhara upazila of Barishal to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

The event, held at Ramer Bazar in Goila Union, was conducted under the slogan: “Say no to suicide – it is a grave sin; we want to live, not die.”

Md Shah Alam Rarhi, vice-president of Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Agailjhara unit, presided over the discussion, which was followed by a rally joined by Shuvosangho members and local residents.

Speaking at the event, unit adviser SM Omar Ali Sani highlighted the growing concern over suicide rates in Barishal, particularly in Agailjhara. He identified several contributing factors, including depression, romantic complications, family disputes, financial stress, chronic illness, provocation, sexual abuse, strained relationships with parents, and academic failure.

“Suicide is alarmingly more common among women and teenagers, who often resort to hanging or ingesting pesticides,” he said.

Engineer A Rahim, joint general secretary of the unit, noted that suicide is not only a major mental health issue but also regarded as a serious sin in many religions. “Those who take their own lives are often unfairly labelled and stigmatised in society,” he added.

Shuvosangho member Nilima Kor stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in rural areas. “Suicide is a sin. We must fight to overcome our struggles rather than end our lives,” she said.

“The Creator has sent us into this beautiful world. If I die, who will witness its beauty? We must choose life and continue the fight,” she added.

Other speakers included Agailjhara Press Club President Md Mahbubul Islam, former president Sardar Harun Rana, Reporters Unity President Md Saiful Mridha, tax lawyer Samiran Roy, and Shuvosangho members Sakib Khan, Amir Hamza, Shanta Halder, and Zillian Biswas.