Bangladesh official rescues abandoned mother and newborn after father refuses to pay clinic fees

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A local administrative official in Jashore’s Keshabpur sub-district intervened this week to assist a young mother and her newborn daughter after they were effectively abandoned by the child’s father at a private clinic.

The incident unfolded after 20-year-old Mosammat Sajeda gave birth to her second daughter at the Matrimangal Clinic in Keshabpur on July 8. According to clinic owner Jahidul Islam, the child’s father, Ruhul Amin, a truck helper residing in Madhyakul village, stopped visiting the facility and ceased communication entirely upon learning the gender of the newborn. With the family failing to cover the medical costs or provide support, the clinic management faced an impasse regarding the care of the mother and infant.

Keshabpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Reksona Khatun stepped in to resolve the situation on Wednesday. After assessing the mother’s condition, Khatun facilitated her safe transport to her maternal home in Bangalipur village, Moirampur. The official provided the mother with essential medications, food, and financial support. Furthermore, at the request of the UNO, the clinic owner voluntarily waived the 12,000 taka surgical fee associated with the delivery.

In his defense, Amin cited severe financial hardship as the primary reason for his absence, denying allegations that he abandoned his family due to his disappointment over having a second daughter. He claimed that his inability to pay the medical bills prevented him from visiting the clinic and pledged to bring his wife and child home soon.

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However, the mother’s family provided a different account. Her mother, Rafiza, who works as a domestic helper, noted that Amin had also failed to cover the expenses for the birth of their first child two years ago.

Calling the abandonment “inhumane,” UNO Khatun emphasized the need to address the lingering patriarchal biases that continue to marginalize women and girls in the region. She confirmed that local authorities have established contact with Amin, who has since promised to reintegrate his wife and newborn into their household. The administration plans to monitor the situation to ensure the mother and child are successfully reunited with their family in the coming days.