At least 20 students have died by suicide following the publication of this year's SSC and equivalent and HSC examination results, according to Anchol Foundation, with 11 cases reported after the SSC results and nine after the HSC results.
The foundation revealed the figures in a press release issued on Thursday, drawing on reports published in various media outlets and information compiled by the organisation.
It said nine students had died by suicide across the country within just 10 days of the publication of the 2026 HSC results.
Preliminary media reports and information from families and local sources suggest that the incidents were linked to examination failures, disappointment over unexpected results, family expectations, social pressure and result-related frustration.
The incidents have once again highlighted the excessive pressure surrounding examination results, students' difficulties in coping with academic setbacks and gaps in mental health support within the country's education system.
Of the nine students, five were female and four were male.
According to the foundation, five cases were reported in Khulna Division, covering Satkhira, Magura, Jessore and Bagerhat districts. One case each was reported in Lakshmipur in Chittagong, Thakurgaon in Rangpur Division, Gazipur in Dhaka Division and Bogra in Rajshahi Division.
Earlier, 11 students reportedly died by suicide in different parts of the country following the publication of the 2026 SSC and equivalent examination results, amid academic disappointment and psychological distress.
The foundation warned that treating examination results as the sole measure of success or failure in life could further aggravate students' mental health struggles.
It said students often face intense psychological pressure around the publication of examination results. Therefore, authorities and educational institutions must give equal priority to students' mental well-being alongside result publication and admission procedures.
Families, teachers and classmates should respond with empathy towards students who fail or do not achieve their expected results, it said, stressing that humiliation, criticism and social pressure could worsen their distress.
The foundation also urged families and educational institutions not to overlook signs of depression, social isolation, excessive guilt or behavioural changes among students after results are published. Timely support should be provided, while students should be encouraged to express their feelings freely and seek professional help when necessary.
To prevent student suicides and address post-result psychological distress, Anchol Foundation made seven recommendations:
1. Educational institutions should provide mental health support and counselling services before and after the publication of examination results.
2. Families should treat students who fail or do not achieve their expected results with empathy, avoiding humiliation, criticism, comparisons and excessive pressure.
3. Students, parents and teachers should be made aware that failing an examination does not mean failing in life.
4. Educational institutions should introduce support programmes to monitor students' mental well-being after results are published.
5. Accessible, confidential and free mental health counselling services and emergency support systems should be expanded.
6. Regular awareness programmes should be organised to help students manage their emotions, cope with frustration, solve problems and seek help when needed.
7. Educational institutions, families, healthcare providers and relevant government agencies should coordinate their efforts to ensure timely support for students at risk.