Habiganj, Oct 15 - What was meant to be a day of joy and celebration turned into an unspeakable tragedy in Habiganj on Tuesday, as three little girls lost their lives in a pond while attending a wedding at Chanpur Tea Garden in Chunarughat upazila.

The victims — Moskan Akter (10), daughter of Selim Mia; Shamima Akter (10), daughter of Sajid Ali; and Shania Akter (9), daughter of Majid Ali — were all from the Ramganga area under the same upazila.

According to locals, the children had accompanied their parents to a relative’s wedding at the tea garden. The celebration was in full swing — laughter, music and festive chaos filled the air. Amid the joy, the three friends slipped away, perhaps seeking a little adventure or a way to cool off in the October sun.

Moments later, their laughter fell silent. They had gone to bathe in a nearby pond — unaware that the water’s calm surface could conceal such danger. None of them could swim.

When the children failed to return, worried family members began searching frantically. Their worst fears came true when locals spotted the lifeless bodies floating in the pond. They were quickly rescued and taken to Chunarughat Upazila Health Complex, but doctors could only pronounce them dead.

Their families are inconsolable. Such a loss is unbearable,” said Zahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station.

Back in Ramganga, grief has engulfed the neighbourhood. The joyous beats of wedding drums have been replaced by heart-rending cries. The three friends, who once walked to school hand in hand, were laid to rest side by side — their small lives cut short in a moment of innocent play.