Infant Abandoned on Dhaka-bound Launch by Alleged Father

An investigation has been launched following the abandonment of a female infant, aged approximately six to seven months, on a passenger vessel travelling from Bauphal to Dhaka. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, involving a man who identified himself as the child’s father before disappearing at a transit point.

Chronology of Events

The vessel involved, MV Bandhan-5, commenced its journey from Kalaiya launch ghat at 16:00 on Wednesday. At approximately 19:30, the vessel docked at Dhulia launch ghat in Bauphal to board additional passengers. According to witnesses and vessel officials, it was at this location that the unidentified man boarded the launch carrying the infant.

Upon entering the deck, the man laid out a bed among other passengers and placed the child down. A female passenger travelling nearby reported that the man requested her to watch over the infant momentarily, citing an urgent matter. When he failed to return after a significant period, the passenger attempted to locate him on the lower decks, only to discover that the vessel had already departed Dhulia ghat.

Action Taken by Authorities

The infant remained under the care of the female passenger and vessel staff throughout the overnight journey. Upon arrival at the Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka at 07:00 on Thursday, the vessel’s supervisor, Md. Sajal, formally handed the child over to the Sadarghat River Police.

Current Status and Investigation

Inspector Md. Sohag Rana of the Sadarghat River Police confirmed that the infant has been placed in the custody of the Local Education and Economic Development Organisation (LEEDO). This voluntary organisation specialises in the welfare of street children and those in extremely vulnerable situations.

Md. Sajal, the supervisor of MV Bandhan-5, stated that preliminary efforts were made to identify the family in the Dhulia area via mobile communication, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Inspector Rana noted that the police are actively working to establish the child’s identity and hope that media coverage will assist in alerting the biological relatives. No motive for the abandonment has been established, and the identity of the man remains unknown. The authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in reuniting the child with her family.