ORCID
0000-0001-8154-0284
Abstract
Suicide is the leading cause of death in prisons and custodial settings globally. International studies have consistently shown that prisoners and detainees are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. Despite Bangladesh having a large prison population, there is no scholarly work on suicide within these settings. Against this backdrop, this study explored online newspaper content analysis capturing the characteristics of prison and custodial suicide in Bangladesh from 2014–2024. A total of 20 suicide cases were identified during this period. The data were arranged based on year-wise trends, age, sex, type of custody, nature of criminality, methods, and causes of suicide. Of these cases, 65% occurred in judicial custody (prisons and jails), while the remaining 35% occurred in police custody. All victims were male, and predominantly (65%) aged between 20 and 35. Hanging emerged as the most common method of suicide, accounting for 90% of all suicide deaths. Fears of punishment, frustration, and mental health problems were presumed to be potential causes of suicide, although in most cases the exact reasons remained unknown. Given that suicide is a preventable issue in prisons and custodial settings, it is imperative for Bangladesh to develop effective prevention strategies. Such strategies should be informed by empirical evidence and aligned with international institutional guidelines and global best practices.
Included in
Criminology Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons
