Four Children Drown While Bathing in River

A tragic accident claimed the lives of four children after they drowned while bathing in a river in Raipura Upazila of Narsingdi on Thursday (16 July), leaving their families and the local community in deep mourning.

The incident occurred at around midday in the Kakon River near Borkanda village under Chanderkandi Union. According to family members and local residents, six to seven students were returning home from their madrasa when they decided to bathe in the river. What began as an ordinary afternoon quickly turned into a devastating tragedy.

The victims were identified as Tabia, 13, daughter of Shamim Mia; Jannat Islam, 9, and Ashea, 9, daughters of Rubel Mia; and Sumaiya, 10, daughter of Billal Mia. All four children were students of the local Gausia Noor-e-Madina Women’s Madrasa and lived in Borkanda village.

Witnesses and relatives said one of the children slipped into deeper water and began to drown. The others instinctively attempted to rescue their companion but were also pulled under the water. Within moments, several children were struggling in the river, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene after hearing cries for help.

Local people launched an immediate rescue effort and managed to pull several children from the river. Three of the victims were taken to Raipura Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. Two other children were rescued alive. Meanwhile, one child remained missing, triggering a frantic search by local residents. Sumaiya’s body was later recovered from the river, bringing the death toll to four.

Dr Ashraful Rahman, Medical Officer at Raipura Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that three children had been brought to the hospital with no signs of life and were declared dead after examination.

Officer-in-Charge Md Mujibur Rahman of Raipura Police Station said the identities of the deceased children had been confirmed. He added that the authorities would complete the necessary legal and administrative procedures in consultation with their families.

The tragedy has cast a shadow of grief over Borkanda village and the wider Raipura area. Neighbours, classmates and relatives gathered at the victims’ homes as news of the incident spread, with many expressing shock at the sudden loss of four young lives.

River drowning remains a recurring cause of accidental deaths among children in Bangladesh, particularly during the monsoon season when rivers become deeper and currents grow stronger. Incidents often occur when children enter rivers or other open water bodies without adequate adult supervision. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns among local residents about the importance of greater awareness and stronger safety measures to help prevent similar accidents in the future.