Two schoolgirls drown in Kurigram while collecting water lilies

Two sixth-grade students died after drowning in a pond while reportedly collecting water lilies on Monday afternoon.

The incident took place in the Uttar Kutichandrakhana area in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram.

The deceased were identified as Asha Moni, 11, daughter of Alom Mia, and Sumaiya, 11, daughter of Abu Bakkar Siddique. Both were students of Uttar Kutichandrakhana High School.

According to locals, the two girls had left home without informing their families. When they failed to return by evening, family members began searching the area.

After an extensive search, relatives and neighbours found the girls’ bodies floating in a pond located about 200 yards from their homes. Locals recovered the bodies and brought them back to their respective families.

Residents believe the two girls may have drowned while attempting to collect water lilies from the pond.

Confirming the incident, Fulbari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdus Salam said that,“Legal steps will be taken upon completion of the investigation.”

The sudden deaths have cast a shadow of grief over the entire community, with mourners gathering at the victims’ homes to offer condolences.