Soon afterwards, Rashid started to feel intolerable pain as infections started brewing around the wounds. He was taken to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital on August 8, where doctors recommended immediate surgery.
Going into surgery the next day, nine pellets were removed from his abdomen. However, the need for a second surgery surfaced during the operation as the pellets had damaged his urinal system.
The following day, Rokeya gave birth to their second daughter.
“The expenses were skyrocketing for us as my husband was jobless by then. We have very limited savings as he only earns Tk 450 per day,” she said.
About Tk 17,000 was spent on Rashid’s treatment in the first two days of his admission. The expenses of Rokeya’s delivery further added to the couple’s distress.
Such a situation forced Rokeya to take the most difficult decision for any parent — giving away their newborn daughter for money.
The baby girl was sold to a childless couple in Gaibandha.
“They paid Tk 25,000 when we gave her away on August 15. They promised to pay another Tk 12,000 later,” said Rokeya, with tears in her eyes.
Locals urged Rashid’s family to bring the baby girl back. However, the family decided otherwise, as the infant was living a life “much better than what Rashid and Rokeya could offer”.
Soon afterwards, Rashid started to feel intolerable pain as infections started brewing around the wounds. He was taken to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital on August 8, where doctors recommended immediate surgery.
Going into surgery the next day, nine pellets were removed from his abdomen. However, the need for a second surgery surfaced during the operation as the pellets had damaged his urinal system.
The following day, Rokeya gave birth to their second daughter.
“The expenses were skyrocketing for us as my husband was jobless by then. We have very limited savings as he only earns Tk 450 per day,” she said.
About Tk 17,000 was spent on Rashid’s treatment in the first two days of his admission. The expenses of Rokeya’s delivery further added to the couple’s distress.
Such a situation forced Rokeya to take the most difficult decision for any parent — giving away their newborn daughter for money.
The baby girl was sold to a childless couple in Gaibandha.
“They paid Tk 25,000 when we gave her away on August 15. They promised to pay another Tk 12,000 later,” said Rokeya, with tears in her eyes.
Locals urged Rashid’s family to bring the baby girl back. However, the family decided otherwise, as the infant was living a life “much better than what Rashid and Rokeya could offer”.
Despite sacrificing the thing most dear to them, Rokeya is still struggling to make ends meet as the doctor has recommended two more surgeries for Rashid by October. Until then, Rashid has to use urinal bags to keep his body operational.
Rashid’s weekly treatment cost rounds off to around Tk 3,000, while Rokeya has to arrange Tk 1,000 every three days for the urinal bag. They have received Tk 5,000 from development organisations but the amount is too little for Rashid’s further treatment.
“I sold my daughter to save my husband. I don’t need her back, as I know her new parents will give her a better life. I just want the money for my husband’s treatment, as without him, me and my other daughter will be left with nothing,” said Rokeya. The devastation in her voice was evident.
Contacted, Dinajpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Faisal Raihan confirmed that he was aware of the incident and promised assistance for the family.
“I have already communicated with the family and assured them we would help them return the other couple’s money, but Rashid and Rokeya said they don’t want their child back.
“The social services department will look after Rashid’s treatment expenses while I have promised them a new house, which will be handed over soon,” he said.
Daily Star
