Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has expressed deep concern over the rising number of missing children cases across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka, after more than 2,000 children remained unaccounted for over a seven-month period this year. In a joint statement signed by the organisation's president, Dr. Fauzia Moslem, and general secretary, Maleka Banu, the women's rights body cited police data showing that 15,717 general diaries (GDs) were filed regarding missing children between January and July. Of these, 13,679 children were rescued or reunited with their families, while 2,038 remained missing.

The organisation warned that the figures point to an alarming trend that is fueling fear and insecurity among the public. It cautioned that children who remain missing for prolonged periods risk falling prey to human trafficking networks or being drawn into criminal activities, and noted that such cases expose serious gaps in the country's social security and child protection systems. According to the statement, children go missing under varied circumstances — while playing near home, returning from school, being lured by strangers, or getting lost in unfamiliar places.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad urged the government and law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance, take urgent steps to trace missing children, investigate the root causes behind these disappearances, dismantle criminal networks involved, and ensure appropriate punishment for those responsible for child trafficking or abduction.