Death behind laughter

We rarely consider how jokes, teasing, or even a simple comment on social media can stir a storm in someone else's mind. We overlook whose face pales, whose eyes fill with tears, or whose silent pain grows unbearable. Body shaming and bullying are no longer minor acts-they have become a form of psychological violence that can destroy a person from within. When a young life is lost to this cruelty, the question becomes urgent: when will we understand how deadly bullying can be?

In Bangladesh today, bullying has become disturbingly normal. Peers-friends, classmates-often mock a person's body, appearance, or intelligence, treating it as harmless fun. But for the victim, self-esteem breaks down, psychological pressure mounts, and despair grows. Mushfiq, a student of East West University, is a tragic example. He was relentlessly body-shamed from school to university, and even after his death, some mocked him. Bullying has gone beyond classrooms; online platforms now amplify cruelty, with everyone a critic and no one accountable.

Body shaming kills silently. Mental wounds are invisible, yet far more dangerous than physical injuries. We claim to be modern and progressive, yet we dismiss mental health and empathy.

The solution is accountability. Families, schools, universities, and workplaces must implement anti-bullying policies. Open discussions on mental health and strict actions against online harassment are essential. Most importantly, empathy must be restored. Only then can we protect the next generation from this harsh and violent society.

Humiraat Haque Prome

Department of Philosophy

Jagannath University