Mother feeds pesticide to 1.5 yr son, toddler dies

A woman allegedly attempted suicide by drinking pesticide along with her 18-month-old son following a family dispute in Satkhira. The child died while the mother is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The deceased was identified as Ibrahim Hossain. His mother, Monowara Khatun, 35, is currently fighting for her life at Satkhira Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred at their home in Baluigachha village under Dhulihar Union of Satkhira Sadar upazila. The child died while undergoing treatment at the hospital around Sunday evening.

Monowara is the wife of Md Alamgir Hossain, 50, of Taltala on the outskirts of Satkhira town. The family lives in the area of her parents’ home.

Alamgir said, "his wife has a mental health condition. He said they had a minor argument in the morning over the household electricity bill before he left for work."

According to him, Monowara later drank pesticide kept at home for killing insects on eggplant plants and fed some of it to her younger son Ibrahim.

After the incident came to light, they were rescued and taken to a doctor at Brahmarajpur Bazar. The doctor referred Ibrahim to Satkhira Medical College Hospital and provided treatment to Monowara.

Ibrahim died while undergoing treatment at the hospital in the evening. Monowara is currently receiving treatment there.

Satkhira Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahmudur Rahman said police had been informed of the incident and that action would be taken following an investigation.

-MT