Special Correspondent //

The bodies of 36 children who had gone missing were recovered during the first eight months of this year. During the same period, 155 children lost their lives in various incidents, including murder, rape-murder, and physical abuse. Additionally, out of the 15,717 children reported missing in the first seven months of the year, 2,038 remain missing.

An analysis of data from the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Police Headquarters has revealed this alarming picture regarding child safety. ASK has expressed deep concern over these developments.

ASK disclosed this information in a statement on Sunday following the recovery of the body of Ishayat Shahriar Oprotim, a 13-year-old school student from Cumilla who had been missing. The organization stated that the statistics regarding the recovery of the 36 bodies were compiled based on reports published in various media outlets.

ASK noted that recent incidents across the country—such as the recovery of bodies of missing children, rape-murders, and various forms of abuse—have raised serious concerns about the lives and safety of children.

According to Police Headquarters data, at least 15,717 children went missing between January and June. While 13,679 of them were recovered, 2,038 remain missing. However, the police indicated that there is a possibility of discrepancies in these figures, as the data on missing children was not subsequently updated.

Emphasizing that protecting the lives, safety, and dignity of children is a fundamental responsibility of the state, ASK stated that effective measures must be taken to fulfill this obligation in accordance with the Constitution, the National Child Policy, the Children Act, and Bangladesh’s international commitments.

The organization urged the establishment of an integrated and regularly updated national information system regarding missing children. Such a system would make it possible to ascertain the true picture regarding missing, recovered, and still-missing children. ASK believes this would also allow for the identification of risk patterns and the implementation of effective preventive measures.

Meanwhile, Shahinur Rahman, Executive Director of ASK, remarked that when the body of a missing child is recovered, the incident cannot simply be viewed as an isolated crime. He stated that an impartial and effective investigation must be conducted into how the child went missing, the steps taken by the relevant authorities to rescue the child, whether there was any negligence or lack of coordination, and who was involved in the crime.

According to ASK, the recovery of a child’s body after they had gone missing is by no means a normal occurrence. To ensure a safe environment for children, it is essential for state institutions to respond swiftly and effectively, implement coordinated preventive measures, and ensure accountability.

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