Woman gives birth on launch, newborn gets lifetime free travel

A woman gave birth on a launch while travelling to a hospital in Chandpur. The mother and newborn were later rescued in critical condition and admitted to Chandpur 250-bed Government General Hospital.

The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon. Hospital authorities said the baby is currently doing well, but the mother is under observation due to heavy bleeding and arrangements are being made for a blood transfusion.

The woman's husband, Al Amin Pradhania, said they were travelling on the MV Hashempur launch towards Chandpur to reach a hospital when labour pains began suddenly, and the baby was born on the launch.

A naval police officer in Chandpur confirmed that the mother and baby were quickly taken to the hospital with the assistance of naval police following the incident.

Meanwhile, in a humanitarian gesture, the launch owner gifted the newborn Tk 5,000 and new clothes immediately. Additionally, the launch owner announced that the child's travel on the launch will be free for life.