Country Profile
Bangladesh
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Is Suicide Decriminalised?
Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?
No
Are Crisis Lines Available?
Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.
Yes
National Suicide Prevention Strategy?
Is there a national suicide prevention strategy, such as from the WHO, and does include decriminalisation, if known?
No
Population in Need of Support Per Year
Based on the WHO likely attempted suicide rate.
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Strength Of Support (Local Qualitative Assessment)
Population
Suicide Rate Per 100K Per Year, all Sexes (SDG 3.4.2)
per 100,000
WHO 2019 for SDG 3.4.2. Global average 1 per 100,000
Suicide Deaths Per Year (By Population)
per annum
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Bangladesh, officially known as The People's Republic of Bangladesh, is home to the ethnic Bengali people. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of nearly 170 million. The culture in Bangladesh is a fusion of Bengali and Islamic traditions, influencing various aspects of life, including art, music, dance, and cuisine.
The country has a dual legal system comprising English Common Law and Islamic Law, which occasionally overlap, particularly in family matters.
Like many other nations, Bangladesh inherited colonial-era laws that treated suicide as a criminal offence, particularly Section 309 of the Bangladeshi Penal Code, which criminalises attempted suicide, with punishment including imprisonment for up to one year and the possibility of a fine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Learning more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress. Decriminalising suicide saves lives.
This country profile has been compiled from available research and verified as well as possible. If you wish to supply clarifications, updates, feedback, facts or data, please use the Contact Us form on this page. And if you want your country to take ownership of managing and sharing this information, and progress being made, please register your interest in participating via our Get Involved form.
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