We are deeply shocked and saddened by the recent reports of drowning of children during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. According to media reports, at least 78 children, including girls, drowned in different districts across the country between June 5 and June 14.
In the most recent incident, an eight-year-old boy tragically drowned in the Maini River in Dighinala Upazila of Khagrachhari. He went missing while collecting firewood in Kabakhali Union, and his body was recovered seven hours later. This heart-wrenching case is just one of many—and it highlights the urgent need for immediate action.
Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five in Bangladesh, making it a major yet largely overlooked public health crisis. Every year, more than 14,000 children in our country lose their lives to drowning, according to studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Globally, over 230,000 people die by drowning each year—most of them in low- and middle-income countries. In Bangladesh, the danger intensifies during the monsoon season.
Large parts of the country become submerged due to heavy rains, river overflows, and flash floods from upstream areas. Studies show that 80 percent of child drowning occur within 20 meters of the family home—often in ditches, ponds, or canals.
Drowning is the
second leading cause
of death among
children under the age of
five in Bangladesh
The absence of supervision and swimming skills is a key factor, contributing to 70 percent of drowning deaths among children under five. These deaths are not inevitable—they are preventable.
In many rural areas, children are exposed daily to the hazards of nearby water bodies without the safety nets they need. A combination of awareness, education, and infrastructure can go a long way in protecting young lives. We lauded the initiative of the immediate past government, which had adopted a three-year project to reduce child drowning—a silent epidemic that is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4. The project aimed to be implemented across 45 upazilas in 16 districts, focusing on the hours between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., when children are most vulnerable due to the absence of parental supervision.
Regrettably, the project has not been implemented yet—and it remains uncertain when or if it will be completed.
This delay is unacceptable. If carried out effectively, the initiative could drastically reduce the number of child drowning in the country.
As the monsoon season continues, the urgency cannot be overstated. We call on the current government to immediately prioritize and complete the unfinished project.
Additionally, communities, civil society organisations, and media must work hand-in-hand with government agencies to raise awareness and take practical steps that will ensure every child’s right to life and safety. Let us act now—before more lives are lost to this preventable tragedy.
