In a distressing turn of events, three individuals, including the director of a clinic, have been apprehended for their involvement in the sale of a newborn in Rangpur. Exploiting the vulnerability of a pregnant woman, Laboni Begum, the suspects allegedly engaged in the illicit trade.
Deputy Police Commissioner Abu Maruf Hossain of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police shared details of the arrests during a press conference held on Sunday, shedding light on the disturbing incident.
Laboni Begum, a financially disadvantaged woman from the Bhurarghat area of Rangpur, was admitted to Holy Current Hospital near the central bus terminal on January 13, experiencing labor pains. The delivery, conducted through a Caesarean section that night, led to a demand of Tk50,000 by the clinic authorities for the surgery.
Unable to afford the amount, Laboni’s husband, Wasim, allegedly resorted to a distressing decision and sold their newborn child for Tk40,000 to settle the clinic bill, as per Laboni’s account.
Laboni took a courageous step by filing a written complaint with the police, prompting the rescue of the child, who was subsequently returned to her care.
Allegedly, despite Laboni’s pleas, the clinic director, MS Rahman Roni, sold the newborn to acquaintances Zerina Akhter Bithi and Rubel Hossain Ratan for Tk40,000 under the guise of settling the clinic bill.
Following the filing of a case, law enforcement took swift action, arresting the three individuals in the Pirzabad area of the city on Sunday night. Deputy Police Commissioner Hossain mentioned that efforts are underway to apprehend Wasim, Labani Begum’s husband, who has been absconding since the incident.
This shocking incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and legal measures to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, ensuring the safety and well-being of mothers and newborns in healthcare settings.
