Poor mother who sold infant gets it back

A three-month-old infant has been given back to the poverty-stricken parents who sold it to another couple 16 days ago, thanks to the local administration in Gopalpur of Tangail.

Day laborer Shah Alom and Rabeya of the Nogdashimla area have three sons. Due to Covid-19, Shah Alom lost his job and became addicted to marijuana.

The couple accumulated a huge amount of debt in the past few months and was forced to sell one of their children to another couple, Shobuj Miah and Shwapna, for Tk45,000.

Locals learnt about the matter and informed the police.

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Gopalpur police station Officer in-Charge (OC) Mosharrof Hossain said although there are laws on child adoption, Shobuj and Shwapna took advantage of the financial situation of the poor family.

“So, the administration raided the house of Shobuj Miah to rescue the child and handed it over to Rabeya today [on Friday],” he said.

Rabeya did not want to file any case in connection with the matter, the OC added.

Gopalpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Parvez Mollik said: “We are providing financial support to the family. Rabeya has been offered a job at a local clinic. Cash and food aid have also been provided to the family.”

Tangail Deputy Commissioner Ataul Gani said the authorities would take responsibility to ensure the child’s well-being and education.