Committing suicide is the ultimate decision that a human being ever takes. Behind each such case of refusing to live there is a history — long or short. The reasons too are varied. But when cases of suicide erupt in a particular locality, as in this city last month, there are reasons to be particularly alarmed than we usually should be. Well then, a month s or two's figure should not necessarily set a pattern for us to rely upon. Still we need to explain—as much as we can, why more people draw a curiain on their lives at a certain period of time.

The astrologers are expected to refer to zodiac signs and the position of constellations. That, to our mind, is not very appealing. We need more cogent arguments to establish the causes. And we are not always off targets. Given Dhaka city's socioeconomic make-up, a high incidence of suicides cannot be something out of the ordinary. The co-existence of shameless affluence and abject poverty has given rise to an inner friction within society and the self. People are tempted by the luxury goods and gadgets but fail to acquire the means for their procurement But some can and means notwithstanding — fair or fouL This is enough reason for destroying the mental and social peace.

The number of frustrated young people is increasing, so is that of the victims of wife bashing. Together they make a sizeable portion of Dhaka city's population. Not all of them turn to bcBUStaas or culprits of the worst variety. So a few of them find life unbearable and may decide to bring a premature end to it. Wed, of course, there are Romeos or Juliets but today's version of the same name hardly ends his or her own life. Rather they throw acids or stab their loved ones when jilted. So we can leave such types out of our count. Better we concentrate on the socio-economic factors and try to address the severe unemployment pnibkni There is a great need for reducing gaps between social classes.