Driven by Poverty, Desperate Mother Sells Newborn Son, Broker Nurse Arrested

District Correspondent

A helpless mother had to make the decision to say goodbye to her one-day-old son in her arms. The harsh reality of poverty and helplessness forced her to adopt the child. In return, she received a hospital bill waiver and 65,000 taka in cash. The heartbreaking incident took place at Peerless Private Hospital in Nepar More, Maheshpur Upazila, Jhenaidah.

The nurse who intervened in the incident has already been arrested.

Family and local sources say that darkness descended on the life of Sumaiya Khatun of Maheshpur Upazila when her husband Al-Amin suddenly died of a heart attack four months into her pregnancy. After her husband’s death, she was unable to find shelter in her in-laws’ house, nor in her father’s house. Finally, she had to take shelter in her elderly grandmother’s house.

On the afternoon of September 30, when labor pains began, she gave birth to a baby boy via cesarean section at a local clinic with the help of a neighbor. But the joy of the birth turned to tears in an instant. Poverty, the burden of debt, and the uncertainty of the future pushed her to a terrible decision.

Sumaiya Khatun said in a tearful voice, “After my husband died, I couldn’t find a place to live. I am living on loans. It is impossible for me to cover the expenses of the clinic and raise a child. So, amidst hardship, I was forced to adopt the newborn.”

He said that the child was adopted by a family from Comilla, but they do not know their identity. The clinic’s nurse Ismat Ara mediated the transaction. After paying the hospital bill, Sumaiya was handed over 65,000 taka.

When the incident came to light on the afternoon of October 1st, it created a huge sensation in the area.

Upon receiving the information, a mobile court operation was conducted under the leadership of Maheshpur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Khadija Akhter and Upazila Health Officer Dr. Helena Akhter Nipa. The operation found evidence of irregularities and bad environment in the clinic. Due to this, the clinic owner Selim Reza Babu was sentenced to six months in prison.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested nurse Ismat Ara, who was involved in the child trafficking. Preparations are underway to file a case against her.

UNO Khadija Akhter said, “No one will be spared in inhumane incidents like child trafficking. The clinic owner has been sentenced, and a case is also being filed against the nurse.”

However, clinic owner Selim Reza Babu shied away from responsibility, saying, “I have nothing to do except see and hear the patient after the cesarean. If the patient makes his own decision, it is not my responsibility.”

On the other hand, Maheshpur Upazila Health Officer Dr. Helena Akhter Nipa confirmed that legal action is being taken through the drive.