15,717 children reported missing in 7 months, 13,679 rescued: Police

A total of 15,717 children were reported missing through general diaries (GDs) in the country from January to July this year, according to police. Of them, 13,679 have been rescued or returned home. A total of 2,038 children remain missing, accounting for 13 percent of the total.

The information was provided in a message sent from Police Headquarters on Thursday, September 3.

Police Headquarters AIG (Media) AHM Shahadat Hossain said recent media reports had published news that over 15,000 children went missing in the country from January to July 2026. As those reports did not mention the subsequent status of the missing children—how many were rescued or returned to their families—the full picture of child disappearances was not accurately reflected.

He said the matter had been verified through concerned police stations at the local level to remove public confusion.

The verification found that from January to July 2026, 474 GDs were filed over children aged 0 to 9 going missing. Of them, 406 were rescued, and 68 remain unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, 15,243 GDs were filed over children aged 10 to 17 going missing. Of them, 13,273 were rescued, and 1,970 remain missing.

According to Police Headquarters, a total of 15,717 GDs were filed regarding missing children during this period. Of these, 13,679 were rescued, and 2,038 remain missing. That means approximately 87 percent of missing children were recovered.

Police said children aged 0 to 9 generally go missing when they lose their way while visiting unfamiliar places with family members, cannot provide family details, or wander off while returning home alone.

On the other hand, reasons behind the disappearance of children aged 10 to 17 include frustration, academic pressure, fear of shame after involvement in immoral activities, desire for independent living, attempts to extort money or other benefits from family, family discord and the influence of friends or classmates.

Police Headquarters also said online GD facilities have been introduced as part of simplifying police services, which has significantly increased the number of general diaries.

According to police statistics, 17,808 GDs were filed over missing persons in 2023. In 2024, the number was 16,414. In 2025, 22,550 GDs were filed regarding missing persons.