Four schoolgirls missing after leaving home in Patuakhali

Four schoolgirls have gone missing from Bauphal upazila in Patuakhali. The families said the girls left home on Sunday morning saying they were going to school, but no trace of them has been found since.

The four girls are aged between 12 and 15. Three of them are students of Nazirpur Choto Dalima Secondary School, while the fourth studies at another institution.

According to family sources, the girls left home with their books on Sunday morning. When they did not return home by afternoon, family members became worried. Searches at the school, relatives' homes and other possible locations failed to find them.

School teachers said the three students were not present in their classes that day. After contacting parents, they learned that the girls had left home saying they were going to school. No significant information was obtained from classmates.

The families filed a general diary at Bauphal Police Station late Sunday night.

Sub-Inspector Golam Mostafa, the investigating officer, said the girls do not have mobile phones, making it difficult to trace their location. However, searches are being conducted at bus stands and launch ghats.

Bauphal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam said the matter is being treated with high importance. "Police are making every effort. We hope to find them soon," he said.

The disappearance of four girls at once has caused concern among local parents, with many expressing fears over the safety of children and adolescents.