A distressing incident involving two young children abandoned by the roadside in bitter winter cold in Chattogram has taken a hopeful turn, as authorities have now traced and identified their father.
On Wednesday afternoon, the children’s father appeared before the local administration in Anwara upazila, where he formally confirmed his identity and sought reunification with his children. He met with Anwara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tahmina Akter and Officer-in-Charge of Anwara Police Station, Md Junayet Chowdhury, bringing relief to officials and residents who had been closely following the case.
According to police sources, the children’s maternal grandparents reside in Satkania upazila of Chattogram, while their paternal home is in Manikchhari upazila of Khagrachhari. The father, however, had been living and working as a rickshaw puller in the Miarbazar area of Banshkhali. He informed the authorities that his wife had left their home around six months ago, taking the two children with her without notifying him. Despite prolonged efforts, he was unable to trace them.
The breakthrough came when the father saw photographs of the rescued children circulating on social media, particularly Facebook. Recognising them immediately, he contacted the local administration and travelled to Anwara to confirm his claim.
The two children were initially rescued on Sunday evening from the Majargate area of Barkhain Union in Anwara upazila. The girl is four years old, while her younger brother is just two. Both were found lying helplessly by the roadside in freezing conditions. A CNG-powered auto-rickshaw driver, Mahim Uddin, acted swiftly and compassionately, taking the children into his home to protect them from further harm before informing local authorities.
Subsequently, the upazila administration took custody of the children. On Tuesday afternoon, under the supervision of the UNO, they were presented before the Chattogram District Commissioner, who assumed full responsibility for their medical care and related expenses. The girl, found to be in stable condition, was later placed under the safe temporary care of Mahim Uddin. The boy, however, was seriously ill and required immediate hospitalisation, where he is currently receiving treatment.
UNO Tahmina Akter confirmed the developments, stating that the district administration remains responsible for the children’s welfare and that all actions are being taken in accordance with legal procedures.
The case has also drawn judicial attention. Following national media coverage, a court led by Executive Magistrate Md Shakhawat Hossain ordered the filing of a formal case at Anwara Police Station. The court further directed authorities to submit a written report by 5 January outlining the measures taken under the Children Act 2013 to ensure the children’s safety, health, and long-term wellbeing.
Officer-in-Charge Md Junayet Chowdhury stated that the police have been instructed to prioritise the children’s security and medical needs while continuing their investigation.
What began as a chilling roadside rescue has now become a reminder of the power of timely intervention, community compassion, and institutional responsibility in protecting society’s most vulnerable.
Summary of the Rescued Children :
| Child | Age | Health Condition | Current Location | Care Arrangement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girl | 4 years | Stable | With Mahim Uddin (auto-rickshaw driver) | Safe temporary custody |
| Boy | 2 years | Seriously ill | Local hospital | Under medical treatment |