Husband arrested over killing unborn child in Chuadanga

Police have arrested a man on charges of killing his unborn child after allegedly assaulting his seven-month pregnant wife by kicking her in the abdomen in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga.

The accused, identified as Biplob Hossain of Koya village under Sadar union, was arrested on Wednesday night following the filing of a case, officials confirmed.

According to the case statement and family members, Biplob married Shikha Khatun, 19, around 10 months ago in an arranged marriage. The complaint alleges that he later demanded dowry, including Tk 100,000, a motorcycle and an expensive mobile phone, and subjected her to repeated physical and mental abuse when demands were not met.

The victim alleged that on May 26, during an argument over dowry demands, her husband assaulted her and kicked her in the abdomen. She later developed complications and felt reduced fetal movement.

Her condition worsened even after she returned to her parental home. Medical tests at a private hospital in Jibannagar earlier this week reportedly confirmed that the unborn child had died.

The woman later delivered a stillborn baby while undergoing treatment on Wednesday morning.

Family members said they initially refrained from filing a case due to pressure but later approached police as the incident gained attention locally.

Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Lutfun Nahar described the incident as “deeply concerning” and said it was being treated with urgency.

Superintendent of Police Ruhul Kabir Khan said the case is under investigation and legal action will be taken if allegations are substantiated. Further inquiry is underway to determine whether the alleged assault led to the death of the unborn child.