Father Detained in Patuakhali for Allegedly Selling 18-Month-Old Son to Buy iPhone

Patuakhali, August 31, 2026: Police in Patuakhali have detained a man accused of selling his 18-month-old son for Tk 100,000 and allegedly using the money to purchase a new iPhone. The child has also been rescued, police said.

The detained man has been identified as Md. Maruf Munshi, a resident of Boro Gopaldhi village under Betagi-Sankipur Union in Dashmina upazila of Patuakhali.

Police detained Maruf from his home on Sunday evening, August 30, after receiving information that he had returned from Dhaka. He was subsequently taken to Dashmina Police Station for questioning.

According to police and family members, Maruf left home with his son, Musa, at around 8:00am on Saturday, August 29, telling his mother and the child’s grandmother, Mahmuda Begum, to dress the child. He reportedly said he was taking the boy out to the local market.

When Maruf and the child did not return for a long time, family members began searching for them. They later contacted Maruf by phone. According to relatives, he admitted that he had handed the child over in exchange for Tk 100,000 to Imran Hossain, a resident of Romanathsen village in Alipur Union of Dashmina.

Family members further alleged that Maruf travelled to Dhaka shortly after handing over the child and used the money to replace his old mobile phone with a new iPhone.

Following the information about his return, police conducted an operation at Maruf’s residence and detained him. The child was also recovered during the investigation.

Dashmina Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Atikul Islam confirmed that Maruf had been detained and was being questioned. He also confirmed that the child had been rescued.

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of the child and the involvement of other individuals. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.