PM extends support to poverty-stricken mother

Driven to the brink of poverty by debt while her husband sufferes from prolonged illness, Akhi faced a heartbreaking dilemma no mother should have to confront: selling her unborn child to survive. However, Akhi’s desperate plea for help through the media caught the attention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who then moved swiftly to support her family.
Within an hour of learning about their plight, the prime minister initiated efforts to reach them, offering financial assistance, covering childbirth expenses and promising employment. For Akhi, a mother caught between despair and hope, this act of compassion offered a lifeline when she needed it most.
A news report with the headline “Akhi wants to sell her unborn child” recently made the rounds, highlighting her desperate situation. The report also mentions that she is expecting her third child amid acute financial hardship and on information, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sent his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman to the family.
The prime minister came to know that the family’s lone breadwinner, Akhi’s husband, has been suffering from illness for a long time, plunging the family into an acute financial crisis.
The family is burdened with debt for covering the costs of her husband’s medical treatment and household expenses.
At one stage, Akhi has been forced to think about the hard and heartbreaking decision of selling her unborn baby to repay the debt.
After being informed, the prime minister decided to extend a helping hand. As a follow-up, Akhi and her family were summoned to the Prime Minister's Office last Sunday, where they were handed a cheque for Tk1 lakh.
Furthermore, the prime minister assured them that all costs required for childbirth would be covered and also promised assistance with employment.