Father Sells 1.5-Year-Old Son for Tk 1 Lakh to Buy iPhone; Child Rescued in Police Drive

Special Correspondent, Patuakhali:

A shocking incident has surfaced in Dashmina, Patuakhali, where a father allegedly sold his 1.5-year-old son for Tk 1 lakh just to fulfill his desire to buy an iPhone. The news triggered widespread outrage across the region. However, prompt action by local administration and the police led to the successful rescue of the child.

​Details of the Incident:

According to police and local sources, Md. Maruf Munshi, a carpenter from Machhuakhali village in Betagi-Sankipur Union, left home with his toddler, Musa, under the pretext of taking him out for a walk. When they failed to return after a long time, family members began searching. It was later revealed that Maruf had handed over the child to his colleague, Imran Hossain, in exchange for Tk 1 lakh via a written agreement and immediately left for Dhaka. Relatives in Dhaka later discovered that Maruf had purchased a new iPhone using the money from selling his child along with the trade-in value of his old phone.

​Buyer’s Account and Family Background:

Admitting to taking the child, Imran stated that his father-in-law had no male heir, and Maruf had been proposing to hand over the child for a long time. Eventually, after family discussions, they took custody of the boy in exchange for Tk 1 lakh and sent him to Char Kazal in Galachipa Upazila. Relatives noted that due to ongoing family disputes, Maruf’s wife had previously moved back to her parental home, leaving the child in the care of his paternal grandmother.

​Police Action and Rescue:

As news of the incident spread on social media and news outlets, the Dashmina Police Station launched an operation. Using special tactics, police conducted a raid in Char Kazal, rescued young Musa, and brought him into custody.

​Administrative Steps:

In the presence of Dashmina Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mahmud Hasan and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dashmina Police Station Md. Atiqul Islam, the rescued child was officially handed over to the custody of his paternal grandparents, Mofiz Munshi and Mahfuza Begum.

​Considering the child’s future, the upazila administration provided immediate financial assistance and initiated the process to open a bank account in his name. Police confirmed that legal action against those involved in this inhumane act is currently underway.