Suicidal tendency of youth in Bangladesh.

M A Hossain, 

Suicide is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has serious consequences for individuals, families, and societies. Bangladesh as an emerging developing country has also been witnessing an increased rate of suicide over the past decade, particularly among youth. The suicide death rate among young people in Bangladesh is higher than the global average. Suicide is a preventable public health problem, and it is crucial to develop effective strategies to prevent suicidal tendencies among young people in Bangladesh. 

There are many factors that contribute to committing suicide among a particular age group. Some of the most substantial factors include poverty, social inequality, family crisis, unemployment, financial issues, social insecurity, hopelessness, love affairs, and lack of access to mental health services. These challenges can be overwhelming and can lead to a feeling of desperation and anguish. Additionally, social stigma can contribute to a lack of understanding and awareness of mental health issues, which can make it difficult for young people to seek help.

One NGO has researched suicidal death in Chittagong and Khulna divisions. To the utter surprise, the study found that 47% of deaths were from the 16 to 25 years age group. And, the data showed that 54.08% of males and 45.16% of females committed suicide.

To prevent suicidal tendencies among youth in Bangladesh, it is essential to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root cause of the issue. This strategy should include approaches to promote mental health, reduce social stigma, awareness build among social and family members, and incorporate a syllabus on morals and values from the primary to tertiary level. It is also essential to provide young people with the mechanisms and resources they need to cope with stress and difficult life troubles.

One of the most effective ways to prevent suicidal tendencies among young people is to promote mental health and wellness. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns must aim to make young people understand that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help is a gesture of strength, not weakness.

Reducing stigma related to mental health is also a significant step to prevent suicidal tendencies among young people in Bangladesh. Stigma can stem young people from seeking help and can exacerbate the feeling of isolation and anguish. So, it is essential to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and to promote a positive attitude towards speaking up. This can be achieved through targeted education campaigns, public awareness events and community outreach programs.

Increasing access to mental health services is another critical strategy for preventing suicidal tendencies. Needless to say, mental health services are often inaccessible or unavailable in many parts of the country, particularly in rural areas. To address this issue, developing innovative solutions, such as telemedicine, and mobile clinics can be a way to access friendly.

In Bangladesh, the suicide rates are relatively higher in men than women, exhibiting a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1. According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization, suicide is the second leading cause of death after road traffic accidents among the youth aged 15-29, with a rate of 8.7 per 100,000 population. The study highlights the alarming rate of self-inflicted deaths among the younger populace of Bangladesh, bringing the gravity of the issue to the fore.

Moreover, the same report indicates a lack of community-based mental health services in Bangladesh. The bulk of the available mental health facilities is concentrated in urban areas, which makes it arduous for the rural population to access these services. This centralization of mental health services poses a significant challenge to addressing the country's mental health issues. 

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students in Bangladesh, with rates standing at 29.5% and 20.5%, respectively. Another study published in the same journal in 2018 indicated a high level of stigma towards mental illness within the general population of Bangladesh, which poses a considerable obstacle to accessing mental health care. These statistics serve to stress the pressing need for augmenting investment in mental health services and preventive measures across Bangladesh.

Society and government must take a collaborative mechanism to prevent our future generations. This young generation must be provided with the tools and resources they need to cope with stress and difficult life situations. This can be achieved through programs that promote life skills and resilience, such as mindfulness training, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation techniques. Our education institutes also need to facilitate social support networks, such as peer support groups and mentorship programs, to help them build healthy relationships and foster a sense of belonging.

Suicide is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh, particularly among young people. With a concerted effort and a commitment to mental health and well-being, it is possible to prevent suicide and help young people in Bangladesh lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Finally, we all must embed them that suicide is no way the solution.  

M A Hossain, political and defence analyst based in Bangladesh. 

Email: writetomahossain@gmail.com

This article published : 

1. The New Nation, BD: 28Feb23

 

Thinning out of Indian forces from Jammu & Kashmir.

M A Hossain, 

The withdrawal plan of Indian armed forces from Jammu and Kashmir has been extensively discussed in the transnational community as a positive development towards restoring normalcy in the region. Still, the move has also raised questions about the government's motives and the future of the disputed territory. 

The history of Jammu and Kashmir is complex, and the conflict between India and Pakistan over the region has been ongoing for more than seven decades. In 1947, when British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir were one of the disputed territories. The Maharajah of the region initially wanted to remain independent, but eventually acceded to India. Since then, the Indian government has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of India, while Pakistan claims it as its own. 

Under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir were granted special status, including its constitution and flag, and the power to make laws on all matters except foreign affairs, defence, and communications. However, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370, arguing that it was a barrier to the region's development and integration with the rest of India. 

The repeal of Article 370 was accompanied by a massive deployment of troops in the region, leading to a strict military lockdown, a curfew, and restrictions on communication and movement. The move was extensively criticized by the international community and human rights organizations, who condemned the Indian government's human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. 

The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir isn't a sudden decision which needs to be precisely planned and coordinated. We hope, the Indian government will conduct a thorough review of the situation in the region, including the security situation and the concerns of the local population. The government needs to consult with various stakeholders, including the military, the police, the local administration, and political parties. 

The government also has to engage in dialogue with representatives of the Kashmiri people to address their concerns and aspirations. The Indian government's careful planning and collaboration helped to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal of troops from the region. 

The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir isn't a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires a monitoring and evaluation framework. The Indian government has to set up a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the situation in the region and ensure that the pullout of troops doesn't lead to a resurgence of violence or insurgency. 

The framework includes the deployment of Central Reserve Police Forces(CRPF) to monitor the situation, but should also enhance the use of technology to monitor social media and communication networks, and regular consultations with local stakeholders. The Indian government must set up a mechanism to address grievances and complaints from the local population and ensure that their rights are defended. 

The implementation of the phased withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir is a complex and challenging process. The Indian government has to ensure that the withdrawal doesn't compromise the security of the region or lead to a resurgence of violence. The government has to precisely plan the redeployment of forces to ensure that there are no security gaps. 

The Indian government also has to ensure that the pullout of troops doesn't compromise the rights of the local population, including their right to life, liberty, and freedom of movement. The government has to ensure that the local population have access to essential services and that their day-to-day lives aren't disrupted by the pullout of troops.

The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir raises concerns about the future insurgency threats in the region. The Indian government has been keeping a close eye on the situation and has put in place measures to prevent the resurgence of violence. However, there's still a threat of militants taking advantage of the circumstances and launching attacks. 

The Indian government needs to be observant and visionary in dealing with any potential threats. It needs to continue engaging with the local population and addressing their concerns to prevent them from joining the genus of the militants. The government also needs to ensure that the security forces are well-equipped and well-trained to deal with any eventualities. 

India can follow Bangladesh with a similar approach in Jammu and Kashmir, by engaging in dialogue with the local population and addressing their grievances. The government can initiate a process of rehabilitation and development to address the economic and social challenges faced by the people in the region. By taking a lesson from Chittagong Hill Tracks of Bangladesh, India can bring a sustainable and peaceful fortune to Jammu and Kashmir. 

The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir will be a considerable development in the ongoing conflict over the disputed region. While the move has raised questions about the government's motives and the future of the region. But, the careful planning and collaboration, monitoring and evaluation framework and visionary measures taken by the Indian government will be the way in the right direction towards restoring normalcy in the region.

This article published at :

1. Asian Age, Bangladesh : 26Feb23

Ekushey February: International Mother Language Day

 M A Hossain & Sobrato Mehedi Sagor, 

'Joy Bangla' is the ever-increasing crescendo of the strongest slogan. It is a symbol of commitment, national spirit, and patriotism on and after the Birth of this nation. To be able to chant the most harmonious and zealous slogan in Bangla, the People of this Country had to undergo years of struggle and protest. The language movement did not only ignite the freedom movement of Bangladesh but also paved the way for linguistic freedom in the Indian subcontinent. Ekushey February (21st February) is observed as the International Mother Language Day, a day of pride and glory. Lest we forget that it has a history of struggle and profound sacrifices for protesting linguistic and cultural annihilation, which is remembered with reverence and veneration by the Nation.

In 1786, William Jones first discovered the interrelation of language and culture between Greek-Latin and Germans Gothic -Persian, which created comparative linguistics. During the pax Britannica (1815-1915) era, the research of comparative linguistics reached the epitome of its level.  The research of comparative Indo-European linguistic families and non-Indo-European, Dravidian linguistic families started in Kolkata and Madras respectively. In 1853, the Scottish “home rule” movement was started against British colonialism and the research of the Dravidian linguistic family became part of anti-British colonisation. The Irish “home rule” movement(1870-1914) had an impact on British -India. Irish Annie Besant and Indian Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the “home rule” movement in India and also formed a home rule league with a view to establishing democracy and language-based provinces within British India.

In 1911, Sayed Nawab Ali first outlined the importance of the recognition of the Bangla language in provincial education seminars in Rangpur. In 1917, Tilak demanded the re-demarcation of states based on language in the Kolkata Congressional session. That time, Annie Besant was elected as the chairman of the National Congress and established its local ramifications considering languages in 1921. Dr Muhammad Shahidullah demanded the recognition of Bangla as a provincial state language at Vishwa Bharati in 1918. In 1937, Maulana Akram Khan demanded Bangla as one of the state languages of British -India in the Bengal literary council (Bongio Shahitya porisad).

During 1942-47, the demand for Bangla as a state language was gaining momentum amongst the Bangla-speaking people. On 29 July 1947, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, VC, Aligarh University proposed “Urdu” as the only state language in Pakistan, but Dr Muhammad Shahidullah starkly opposed that proposal and outwitted and trumped over Dr Ahmed by presenting cogent logic in favour of establishing Bangla as one of the state languages. 

Post-partition in 1947, there was an uproar demanding Bangla as a provincial state language. Prof. Abdul Kashem organized a movement named 'Tamaddun Majlish', which afterwards converged all the movements into an 'All party-state language action committee'. In 1948, Dhirendra Nath Dutto, MLA of East Bengal, raised a point of order in the Pakistan General Assembly for Bangla as one of the state languages, but it was turned down by the erstwhile Premier Liakat Ali Khan. This incident profoundly agitated the populace of East Bengal (Bangladesh) and a strong protest was demonstrated before the Governor-General M A Jinnah and Khwaja Nazimuddin. 

Similarly, in 1948, Chakravarti Gopalachari,  the central Governor-General of India formed two commissions to demarcate provinces. One was the linguistic Provincial Commission and another one was Jawaharlal-Ballav Vai-Pattabhi Sitaramayya(JVP) commission. These commissions were asked to submit a feasibility report of provincial border demarcation based on language. In 1950, the central government of Pakistan, all of a sudden, attempted to exert force to accomplish the use of Urdu in East Bengal. In India, the central government rejected the language-based provincial demarcation and created the constitution with four classes of rules. In 1951-52, there was an incipient agitation for state language in East Bengal. Similar agitation was also exhibited in India for languages-based provinces. In 1952, Mr Nehru visited Madras for the Lok Sabha election, where he faced a black flag demonstration supporting the demand of language-based Andhra Pradesh. In East Bengal, there was a violent movement for Bangla, and Andhra Pradesh started a non-violent movement.

On 21st February 1952, police fired indiscriminately on a protest March for language, where some embraced martyrdom. Martyrs' identities on that day are testimony to the fact that the entire nation was united behind the language movement. The list of martyrs on that day was - Rafiq and Barkat, who were University students; Salam and Shafiur were professionals. The martyrs included a common man like Jabbar or a rickshaw puller like Awal or a minor boy Ohiduzzaman. This incident instilled the trepidation of impending oppression into the minds of the populace of East Bengal; and they were anything but petrified, and possibly more resolved on fighting for their mother langage.

In 1953, the “Joint front” came to power, and in 1956, Joint-Front led by Abu Hossain declared the 21st of February as the 'Martyrs' day' and a general holiday and also recognised Bangla as 2nd state language. In the same year, India brought the 7th amendment to the constitution and reformed the border demarcation of provinces based on languages, repealing the 1950s state formation. Consequently, in 1960, Bombay split into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Gujarat, Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Madras, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were formed based on Gujarati, Hindi, Asomya, Bangla, Oriya, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu languages. 

So, Bangla is the only language, which is allowed to be spoken by its native speakers at the cost of lives. West Pakistan tried to subjugate East Pakistan by imposing 'Urdu' as the State language, with the nefarious scheme of converting the educated Bangalees into illiterate and incompetent for Government Executive jobs overnight. Their ploy was imbued greatly by the British colonists, who, in the similar fashion, proselytised Muslims into an incompetent ethnicity by declaring  English as the State language instead of Farsi during the mid-nineteenth century.

In 1999, Ekushey February (21st February) was awarded the status of International Mother Language Day by the United Nations. A theatre group from Gafargaon (Mymensingh district) named "Gafargaon Theater" first demanded international recognition for 21 February in 1999. In 1999, Gafargaon Theatre brought out a publication named "Orgho(oblation)" on the occasion of 21st  February, where they reverberated their demand for labelling 21st February as International Mother Language Day. In the same year, this organisation brought out a procession with graffiti, leaflets, and posters demanding 'Bishwo matri vasa dibos chai- Ekushey er antorjatic sikriti chai (demand for International Mother Language Day-demand for 21 February's international recognition)". At last,  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s initiative and her team ex-minister A. S. H. K Sadek, Dr Sadat Hossain, Ambassador Sayed Moazzem Ali, Tozammel Haq(Tony) and Bangladeshi Canadian resident Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam made the nation proud by bringing recognition for 21st February as the International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO. 

Ekushey February is the day when our national pride is heightened to the helm. The whole world is now recognising our spirit and zeal for our own culture and heritage. Our sacrifices will be truly appreciated and commemorated when every nation will imbibe the sense to pay proper homage to their linguistic heritage of diversity.

This article published at :

1. The New Nation, BD:21Feb23

2. South Asia Journal, USA :21Feb23