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At least 36 children who went missing were later found dead across Bangladesh during the first eight months of 2026, according to data compiled by human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
The data, covering January to August, comes amid a series of cases in which missing children were found buried, in rivers or in ponds.
The issue has again drawn attention following the recovery of the body of 13-year-old Ishayat Shahriar Opritom in Cumilla.
ASK said a total of 155 children died in various incidents during the eight-month period. Of them, 68 died from physical abuse, 49 in violence within families, and 26 were killed after rape.
Four children were killed following attempted rape, while others died in shootings, abuse as domestic workers, attacks by harassers and abduction-related incidents.
Meanwhile, Police Headquarters said 15,717 children were reported missing during the first seven months of 2026, of whom 13,679 were recovered.
This leaves 2,038 children still missing, according to the police data.
ASK has called for prompt and effective action by state institutions, coordinated preventive measures and accountability to ensure a safer environment for children.