Dhaka, June 4 -- Two brothers and two cousins have drowned in separate pond incidents in Shariatpur and Narayanganj, police have said.

The deaths occurred on Thursday afternoon in the two districts.

In Shariatpur's Bhedarganj Upazila, two cousins -- 7-year-old Ridam and 8-year-old Rifat -- died after drowning in a pond in Saygaon Union. They were both identified by single names.

Police said the children were playing football near the pond when the ball fell into the water. While attempting to retrieve it, both slipped in and drowned.

Bhedarganj Police chief Abul Bashar said the children had been missing since 12pm, prompting a family search.

They were later found floating in the pond and reported to police.

A police team was sent to...