Mother sells infant amid financial stress, baby rescued by police
Authorities in Tangail, Bangladesh, rescued a four-month-old baby boy just one day after his mother sold him to a childless couple. The incident, which unfolded on 17 April, came to light after the child’s father reported the sale to police.
Rabiul Islam informed Madhupur Police that his wife, Laboni Akter Liza, had sold their son amid ongoing marital disputes rooted in financial hardship.
Financial Struggles and Marital Tensions Lead to Decision
Liza, from Bolata village in Gopalpur, married Robiul two years ago after meeting on Facebook. However, financial difficulties caused strain in their relationship, prompting Robiul to rent a separate home near his family’s residence to maintain peace.
Four months ago, the couple welcomed their son, but tensions continued. Recently, Laboni took the baby to her sister’s home in Bhuapur.
When Robiul asked her to return, she refused, stating she no longer wished to continue the marriage. Despite multiple attempts to reach her, she later informed Robiul that she had sold their child.
In a bid to confront her, Robiul tricked Laboni into returning to Pakutia, where she admitted to selling the baby for 40,000 Taka with the help of a man named Monir. Laboni confessed to using the money to purchase a mobile phone, anklets, and a nose ring, later acknowledging her grave mistake.
Mother admits to selling baby for Tk 40,000
During questioning, Laboni confessed to selling the infant on 10 April for Tk 40,000 (approximately USD 360) with the help of a middleman. She told police what she used the money for.
‘I was not in the right state of mind,’ she further confessed.
Madhupur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Emranul Kabir said, “After Laboni’s confession, a team located and recovered the child early on 18 April from a couple in neighbouring Bhuapur upazila.”
Other cases of child-selling raise global concerns
Reports of child-selling have surfaced in various parts of the world, often linked to poverty, lack of education, and inadequate support systems. A similar incident of child-selling occurred in Bangladesh in 2020, while parts of Afghanistan and South Africa see such cases frequently, too.
Poor parents in difficulties themselves sell their children in most countries in the false belief that it will lead to a better life. Inadequate awareness of legal rights, gender disparity, and poor enforcement of child protection laws also fuel the issue.
Both couples in custody as authorities consider child’s future
Police have taken both the biological parents and the couple who purchased the baby into custody. Officers have also called in family members to help determine the best arrangement for the child’s future care.
The case has raised serious concerns over child welfare, economic vulnerability, and the lack of legal adoption frameworks in rural Bangladesh.
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