A 16-year-old schoolgirl allegedly committed suicide in Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi on Monday after failing to secure her expected results in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.
The deceased, identified as Karina Paul, was the daughter of Shri Kanchan Kumar Paul of Mohabbatpur village under Ganipur Union in the upazila. She was a student of the Science group at Chanderara High School and had appeared in this year’s SSC examinations.
According to local and family sources, Karina fell into deep depression after the SSC results were published on Monday, upon learning that her marks in Chemistry and Physics were not up to her expectations. After speaking with her mother, she went into her room and attempted suicide by wrapping a scarf (orna) around her neck.
Sensing the situation, her family members rescued her in critical condition and rushed her towards Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. However, she passed away on the way to the hospital.
Kazim Ahmed, an assistant teacher at Chander Ara High School, expressed his grief, saying, “Karina was a good student. It is difficult to say why her results were not as expected. Doing poorly in an exam can happen, but ending one’s life is never a solution. She still had the opportunity to reappear for the examinations.”
The tragic incident has cast a shadow of grief over the entire area. Relatives, teachers, and local residents have urged guardians and others not to put excessive pressure on students regarding their examination results.
They also emphasised the importance of standing by any student who breaks down mentally due to exam results or other reasons, ensuring they are not left alone, and seeking assistance from family, teachers, or professional experts if necessary.
Bagmara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Touhidul Islam said a police team was dispatched to the scene upon receiving the news. Since no complaints were filed by any party, the body was handed over to the family. An unnatural death case will be registered in connection with the incident, the OC added.
