Chattogram, Dec 09 (V7N) – A seven-year-old child was released on Monday after being held in police custody for three days in Chattogram, highlighting serious lapses in law enforcement regarding the detention of minors. The child was freed from the Tongi Child Development Centre in Gazipur but will remain under the care of the Department of Social Services at the Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centre in Hathazari, as his father works at sea and his mother remains incarcerated.

The incident began on Friday when the child, along with his mother, was arrested in the Sholoshohor area in connection with a kidnapping case. Under Bangladesh’s child protection law, children under nine years old cannot be arrested or detained under any circumstances, and cases cannot be filed against them with adults. Upon learning of the violation, Judge Md. Hasanul Islam of the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Court ordered the child’s immediate release on Sunday.

According to Metropolitan Magistrate probation officer Monzur Morshed, the child has been brought to Chattogram from Tongi under social services supervision. Once the father returns from work or the mother is released, custody will be transferred accordingly.

The case traces back to April 13, when mother Anowara Begum went to Chattogram Medical College Hospital with her sick elder son. Her four-year-old child, Md. Ramim, reportedly went missing that day. Following months of unsuccessful searches, Anowara Begum filed a kidnapping case at Panchlaish Police Station last Friday, naming her seven-year-old child and herself as accused. Police have yet to locate the missing younger child.

Authorities allege that the child and his mother lured Ramim from the hospital veranda under the pretext of playing. Sub-Inspector Enamul Haque arrested them from the Sholoshohor area, though the child was not formally produced in court at that time. Following judicial orders, he was sent to the Tongi Child Development Centre.

Imran Khan, head of the Tongi centre, confirmed the child was placed under the supervision of a social worker following the court order.

The child’s father, working on a cargo ship at Chattogram Port, criticized police for filing the case without evidence. He stated, “Police have arrested my wife and child without investigation or proof. I will pursue legal action against those responsible.”

Assistant Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Aminur Rashid said the case is under review and necessary actions will be taken.

END/ABZ/SMA/