At least 20 students have died by suicide after the publication of this year’s SSC and HSC results, according to the mental health advocacy group Aachol Foundation.

In a statement on Thursday, the foundation said 11 deaths were reported after the SSC and equivalent results and nine within 10 days of the HSC results, involving five female and four male students. The figures are based on media reports and local sources, and the circumstances of individual deaths have not been independently established.

Early reports suggested that disappointing results, academic expectations, family pressure and social stigma were among the associated factors. Five of the nine HSC-related cases were reported in Satkhira, Magura, Jashore and Bagerhat districts of Khulna division, and one each in Lakshmipur, Thakurgaon, Gazipur and Bogura.

The foundation urged families, teachers and classmates to offer emotional support around results time and to avoid humiliating or comparing students. It also called for counselling services at educational institutions before and after results are published, awareness programmes, school-based support systems, free and confidential counselling and emergency services, and coordinated action among institutions, families, healthcare providers and government agencies.