Mother, newborn abandoned at Jashore clinic after birth of second daughter

A woman and her newborn daughter were allegedly left behind at a private clinic in Keshabpur, Jashore, after the family reportedly stopped visiting following the birth of the couple's second consecutive daughter.

The situation drew the intervention of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who arranged their safe return to the mother's family.

The incident took place at a private clinic in Keshabpur municipality, where Mosammat Sajeda gave birth to her second daughter through a caesarean section on July 8.

According to local sources and the woman's family, Sajeda and her husband, Ruhul Amin, already have a two-year-old daughter. After learning that the couple had welcomed another baby girl, Ruhul allegedly stopped visiting the clinic and failed to maintain contact with his wife and newborn.

With no family member coming forward for several days, the clinic authorities found themselves struggling to manage the situation.

After being informed of the matter on Wednesday, UNO Reksona Khatun visited the clinic, met the mother and newborn, and arranged for them to be taken safely to Sajeda's maternal home in Bangalipur village of Monirampur upazila.

The UNO also provided essential medicines, food supplies and financial assistance to the family.

At the request of the UNO, clinic owner Jahidul Islam waived the Tk 12,000 surgical bill for the mother's treatment.

However, Ruhul Amin denied the allegations, claiming that he works as a truck helper and was unable to visit the clinic due to severe financial hardship. He also rejected claims that he abandoned his wife because she gave birth to another daughter, saying he intended to bring them home soon.

Clinic owner Jahidul Islam said no family member had visited the mother and child for several days, leaving the clinic in a difficult position until the administration intervened.

UNO Reksona Khatun said the mother and newborn had been relocated safely and that the child's father had been contacted. According to her, the family has assured the administration that they will take responsibility for the mother and child.

Describing the incident as deeply concerning, she said girls and women often become victims of neglect in a patriarchal society, adding that the administration stepped in out of humanitarian responsibility.

Sajeda's mother, Rafiza, who works as a domestic worker, alleged that her son-in-law had also failed to bear medical expenses during the birth of their first child and had shown little responsibility toward his family.