Four girl students drowned while bathing in a canal in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi on Thursday afternoon, while two others narrowly survived.
The deceased were identified as Tabia, 13, daughter of Md Shamim Mia; Ayesha, 9, daughter of Rubel Mia; Jannat, 8, daughter of Md Rubel; and Sumaiya, 10, daughter of Billal Mia. All were residents of Borokanda village under Chanderkandi union and students of the local Gausia Nure Madina Women's Madrasa.
According to family members, police and local sources, six madrasa students went to bathe in a nearby canal during a break from classes. Four of them drowned, while the remaining two managed to swim ashore and informed local residents.
Locals rushed to the scene and pulled the children from the water. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three died on the way to Raipura Upazila Health Complex. Doctors later confirmed their deaths.
Dr Ashraful Rahman, an emergency physician at Raipura Upazila Health Complex, told Dhaka Tribune that three of the victims were brought to the hospital at around 1:00 pm with no signs of life.
"They had neither breathing nor a heartbeat. After examination, they were declared dead," he said.
Raipura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mujibur Rahman said police had visited the scene and were speaking with the victims' families.
"We are consulting the families and will take legal action in accordance with their wishes," he said.
Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Masud Rana visited the health complex at around 4:00 pm and met the bereaved families.
"We have spoken to the families and provided an initial financial assistance of Tk20,000 to each bereaved family on behalf of the upazila administration," he said.