In Jhalokathi, a grieving mother staged a human chain protest with her deceased 13-month-old daughter, demanding justice against her alleged lover. The protest took place on Monday (March 23) afternoon in Purbobhoutita village, Sadar Upazila, with local residents and the family present.
The mother, Lia Moni Akter, lost her daughter Jesmin after a series of tragic events. Lia explained that she had a relationship with Hridoy Byapari in 2021 and became pregnant. On February 16, 2025, she gave birth to Jesmin at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College, Barishal. Hridoy and his relatives had initially promised to marry her, but three days later, on February 19, they abducted the newborn and later abandoned her by the roadside. The baby was rescued by a passerby and placed in a child home, where she grew up.
Three months later, Lia and her family recovered the child on March 9 after completing DNA testing and legal procedures. Jesmin fell ill and was admitted to Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, where she tragically died on the morning of Monday, March 23.
Earlier, on March 9, Lia had filed a rape case against Hridoy Byapari and two others at Jhalokathi Sadar Police Station. Hridoy remains at large, while his father Abul Byapari denies all allegations, calling them false.
Police statement:
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Imtiaz Ahmed confirmed that a case has been filed and the accused are on the run, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
This tragic case has sparked public outrage, with the mother demanding swift justice for her child.
