A newborn baby who was taken from the Satkhira Upazila Health Complex in Sunamganj’s Chhatak area was safely rescued within hours following a swift, coordinated operation by law enforcement agencies. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, triggered widespread concern and commotion across the locality. Police later confirmed that the infant was recovered in the early hours of Friday following joint efforts by two police stations.
According to hospital sources, the newborn—estimated to be a male infant aged between four and five days—was first discovered on 8 June beside a roadside in Andharigaon under Chhatak Sadar Union. A CNG-powered auto-rickshaw driver, identified as Kawsar Ahmed, found the baby and, acting out of humanitarian concern, admitted the child to the Chhatak Upazila Health Complex.
Subsequently, as part of protective custody arrangements, the hospital authorities transferred the infant to the local Social Services Office while adoption-related procedures were being considered. Officials confirmed that 13 individuals had submitted applications to adopt the child, and the verification process was ongoing.
However, during this interim period, Kawsar Ahmed allegedly removed the baby from the hospital premises on Thursday without formal permission. Once the matter came to light, the hospital administration, social services officials, and police launched an immediate investigation and coordinated search operation.
Police later acted on confidential intelligence indicating that Kawsar Ahmed and his wife, Kalpona Begum, were staying in Sunamganj’s Shantiganj upazila with the infant. Acting on this information, a joint team led by the Officer-in-Charge of Chhatak Police Station, with support from Shantiganj Police Station, conducted a two-phase operation.
In the first phase, Kawsar Ahmed was detained from a house in Badullahpur village under West Pagla Union in Shantiganj. Following interrogation, police conducted a second raid in the Kaluruka area of Chhatak, near the Kaluruka Bazar Jame Mosque. There, the infant was recovered from the custody of his wife, Kalpona Begum, in the early hours of Friday.
Following the rescue, the newborn was immediately readmitted to Chhatak Upazila Health Complex for medical observation and care. Authorities stated that the child has since been placed under the supervision of one of the verified adoption applicants, pending completion of formal legal procedures.
Timeline of Events
| Date/Time | Incident Description | Location | Involved Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 June | Newborn found beside roadside and rescued | Andharigaon, Chhatak | Kawsar Ahmed (driver) |
| After 8 June | Baby admitted and transferred to social services | Chhatak Upazila Health Complex | Hospital & Social Services |
| Thursday | Infant removed without authorisation | Chhatak Upazila Health Complex | Kawsar Ahmed |
| Thursday night | Joint police search operation launched | Shantiganj & Chhatak areas | Police forces |
| Early Friday | Infant safely recovered | Kaluruka area, Chhatak | Joint police team |
Health officials confirmed that the infant’s condition is being closely monitored, ensuring proper medical care and safety. The Upazila Social Services Officer noted that the adoption process will strictly follow legal protocols after thorough background verification of applicants.
The Upazila Executive Officer added that a special committee has been formed to evaluate the suitability of prospective guardians, including their financial stability, family environment, and overall capacity to care for the child.
Police authorities emphasised that the successful rescue was the result of rapid coordination and effective intelligence gathering, and affirmed that the matter is now proceeding through appropriate legal channels.