A physician couple in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district has been sent to jail following allegations of severe abuse of an 11-year-old domestic worker, in a case that has sparked widespread concern over child protection and domestic labour practices.
Police arrested the couple on Thursday afternoon (30 April) from their residence in the North Mauraial area of Brahmanbaria town. The accused were later produced before a court, which rejected their bail plea and ordered their detention in custody.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dr. K M Abdulllah Al Noman and Dr. Kimia Sadat Tofa, both of whom are reportedly employed at a private healthcare facility.
Allegations and Background
According to police and family sources, the child—originally from Pakshimul village in Sarail upazila—had been living in the couple’s home for around nine months. She was allegedly placed there by her maternal grandfather for domestic work.
The family claims that contact with the child was suddenly cut off about three months ago. The household later informed them that she had allegedly fled after committing theft. Suspicious of the explanation and unable to trace her whereabouts, the family filed a general diary with Brahmanbaria Sadar Police Station on 26 April.
Acting on the complaint, police launched an investigation and subsequently rescued the child from an area near the couple’s residence. She was immediately taken into custody and later handed over to her family. The child is currently receiving treatment at Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where medical staff report multiple physical injuries consistent with prolonged assault.
The victim has alleged repeated beatings for minor mistakes, including the use of sticks. She also claims that hot oil was thrown at her on several occasions, leaving visible marks on her body.
Her father has accused the household of systematic abuse and an attempt to falsely portray his daughter as a thief in order to justify her treatment.
The accused doctor, however, has denied the allegations, claiming that the child was not employed as a domestic worker but stayed in the home as a companion to their children. He further alleged that she had stolen gold ornaments and cash before leaving the house voluntarily.
Police officials have stated that no theft complaint had been formally lodged prior to the child’s recovery. Investigators confirmed that the arrest was made based on the complaint filed by the child’s family and subsequent evidence gathered during the investigation.
Case Summary
| Category |
Details |
| Accused |
Dr. K M Abdulllah Al Noman, Dr. Kimia Sadat Tofa |
| Profession |
Private hospital physicians |
| Victim |
11-year-old girl (domestic worker, alleged) |
| Location |
Brahmanbaria town, Bangladesh |
| Arrest Date |
30 April |
| Allegations |
Physical abuse, torture, possible false theft accusation |
| Current Status |
Accused in jail; victim receiving hospital treatment |
Court inspector Habibullah Sarkar confirmed that the bail application was rejected and the couple was sent to prison following the hearing. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
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