Govt working to bring suicide rate close to zero: Health minister

The government is working to bring the suicide rate close to zero, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said.

He made the remarks today (10 September) while addressing a seminar as the chief guest marking World Suicide Prevention Day at University Women's Federation in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

The Association for Disabled People (ADP) and Rotary Club Ahsan Manzil organised the seminar.

The minister said suicide prevention requires more than government initiatives, stressing the need to involve people from all sections of society in building a social movement against suicide.

Addressing the students present at the event, Sakhawat urged them to say no to suicide and continue fighting against life's adversities, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

"Failure will come in life. Instead of becoming frustrated by failure, people should keep trying to achieve success. Through continuous effort, people can reach the pinnacle of progress," he said.

He also urged students to be responsible towards their parents and other family members and to share their problems and feelings through mutual communication.

He said issues that cannot be discussed with parents or other family members can be shared with friends, which can help people cope with mental stress and frustration.

Emphasising the need to raise social awareness about suicide prevention, Sakhawat said society cannot progress far if people simply follow conventional practices.

"A social movement to prevent suicide must be built through positive thinking, mutual empathy and awareness, going beyond conventional notions," he added.

ADP Chairman Rowshan Ara Zaman chaired the seminar, while Directorate General of Health Education Director General Dr Nazmul Hossain attended as a special guest.