DHAKA – A total of 15,717 children were reported missing in Bangladesh between January and July this year, with 13,679 subsequently recovered, according to data released by the Bangladesh Police Headquarters.
The figures mean that around 87% of the children reported missing during the seven-month period have been recovered, while 2,038, or about 13%, remain unaccounted for, police said in a statement on Thursday.
The police headquarters issued the clarification following recent media reports highlighting the number of missing children without providing details on how many had subsequently been recovered or returned to their families.
According to A.H.M. Shahadat Hossain, assistant inspector general (media) at Police Headquarters, local police stations were instructed to verify the data to provide a clearer picture and address public concerns.
Younger children
Police recorded 474 general diaries (GDs) involving children aged between zero and nine during the period.
Of these, 406 children were recovered, while 68 remain missing, according to the police data.
Police said younger children often go missing after becoming separated from family members in unfamiliar places. Some lose their way while returning home alone or are unable to provide their names and addresses when separated from their families.
Adolescents account for most cases
The overwhelming majority of missing-child reports involved those aged 10 to 17.
Police recorded 15,243 GDs involving children and adolescents in this age group from January through July. Of them, 13,273 were recovered, while 1,970 remain missing.
Police identified several factors behind such cases, including family disputes, emotional distress, academic pressure, peer influence and a desire for greater independence.
Some adolescents also leave home after becoming involved in activities they consider embarrassing and fear disclosing to their families. Police said attempts to obtain money or other benefits from family members can also contribute to some cases.
Online GDs contribute to rise in reports
Police Headquarters also noted that the introduction of online general diary services has made it easier for people to file missing-person reports, contributing to a significant increase in the number of GDs recorded in recent years.
Police statistics show that 17,808 missing-related GDs were filed in 2023, followed by 16,414 in 2024 and 22,550 in 2025.
Police said the figures should therefore be interpreted in the context of increased accessibility to reporting mechanisms, particularly through online GD services.
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