Allegations have surfaced that four children were sold for cash in a village over the past three years in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj.
Locals claim poverty and drug addiction drove families in Uttar Charpukhiya village of Jalalpur union to sell their children. The latest case involves a newborn allegedly sold for Tk60,000 on 2 September.
A written complaint was filed with Katiadi Model Police Station on 6 September. Following the complaint, several accused families reportedly fled the village. Police say an investigation is underway and legal action will follow if the allegations are proven.
The complaint said Zakir Mia and his wife Farzana Akter, already parents of two sons, had another baby boy on 2 September. The newborn was allegedly sold in nearby Pakundia’s Mathkhola area for Tk60,000.
Zakir claims the transaction was carried out without his knowledge by his wife, mother‑in‑law and two brokers. Farzana counters that her husband is a long‑time drug addict and blames him for the family’s hardship. She says he initially consented to the sale but later filed a police complaint under outside influence.
Local sources allege three other families in the same village sold their children in recent years, often through a beggar named Mongla Begum, accused of arranging such transactions.
Zakir says he later went to the buyers’ home but found no one there, suspecting his child was resold elsewhere for a higher price.
Local resident Atikul Islam Faruk said, “People spend fortunes to save a child’s life, but here children are being sold for money to buy drugs.”
Another villager, Kajol Mia, said, “Those who sell their children for cash could sell others’ children too. Punishment is needed to prevent repetition.”
Jamal Uddin, another resident, said, “In just three years, four children have been sold here. Most recently, Zakir’s wife Farzana sold her newborn without informing him.”
Villagers say they now fear for their own children’s safety. “Even children are being exposed to drugs here, raising deep concerns about their growth, education and future,” said Babul Mia.
Farid Mia alleged Farzana had spoken of selling the baby while still pregnant and had already received some money in advance.
Zakir’s younger brother Mohammad Rasel said, “My brother never smoked before. After returning from abroad, he became addicted. Whether it’s him or anyone else, I demand justice. No sane person hands over their child to strangers.”
One resident, requesting anonymity, claimed Zakir and Farzana’s newborn was sold for Tk60,000, Saddam Hossain’s child for Tk150,000, and two children of Zakir Hossain and Asad Mia for Tk200,000 each.
Locals allege some initial buyers later resold the children for higher sums, raising concern about the children’s current whereabouts and safety.
Katiadi Model Police Station Officer‑in‑charge Rafiqul Islam said the allegations are being investigated seriously. “Anti‑drug operations and awareness campaigns in the area have been intensified.”
