Pregnant Hasi Akhter (21) was going to Dhaka from Shibchar in Madaripur when she gave birth right beside the Padma Bridge toll plaza. She was waiting for a bus with her relatives in front of the toll plaza on the Jajira side to cross the Padma Bridge on Monday. When her labor began, her relatives took her to the Padma Bridge South Police Station next to the toll plaza. However, Hasi gave birth on the road between the police station and the fire service building.
Birth on the road beside the Padma Bridge toll plaza
The news of the birth of the child brought joy to the family and the people around the Padma Bridge toll plaza. The incident took place around 11:30 am on Monday. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Padma Bridge South Police Station Sheikh Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman delivered the mother and newborn to Bisharsi village in Shibchar Upazila in the afternoon. The newborn and the mother are reported to be healthy.
Hasi Akter is the wife of Ali Hasan of Bisharsi village in Shibchar upazila. Ali Hasan and Hasi Akhter are both Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers. They are currently working in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. Hasi came to the village on maternity leave a few days ago as she was pregnant. When her labor started yesterday, she was first taken to a local clinic. However, the doctors of that clinic advised to take her to Dhaka. Later, her relatives brought her in a van from the clinic in front of the toll plaza on the Jajira side of the Padma Bridge.
They got out of the van and waited for the Dhaka-bound bus. When Hasi Akhter’s labor pains increased at that time, the people took her to the Padma Bridge South Police Station next to the toll plaza. However, Hasi gave birth on the road between the police station and the fire service building.
Upon receiving the news, the female police personnel of Padma Bridge South Police Station rescued Hasi and the newborn and took them to the police station building. Later they were served there. When they recovered, OC Sheikh Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman took the mother and the newborn home in the afternoon.
Hasi Akhter’s brother Sakhawat Hossain told Prothom Alo, “Hasi was being taken to Peelkhana BGB Hospital in Dhaka. But I couldn’t find any cars around. No ambulance was found in the village. So I came in front of the toll plaza by van. From there I wanted to take a bus to Dhaka across the Padma Bridge. But the child was born on the road next to the toll plaza. Many dangers could happen. But by the grace of God, there was no problem.”
“A mother will only understand the pain of childbirth,” Akhtar told Prothom Alo on her mobile phone. “I was throbbing with pain. I didn’t notice what was happening where. With the help of relatives and local people, my child has seen the light of day in a healthy way. I am very happy that my child is healthy. My child took his first breath at the end of the Padma Bridge. My child will be a witness to history.”
Hasi Akhter expressed her gratitude to the local people for their help in childbirth. She also thanked the police for taking her home safely.
Padma Bridge: a symbol of a new era for Bangladesh
OC Mostafizur Rahman told Prothom Alo, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was going to Tungipara in Gopalganj after crossing the Padma Bridge at around 10:15 am. Everyone was busy with the Prime Minister’s journey since morning. Shortly after the Prime Minister left, when the traffic was normal, a woman gave birth to a child. I quickly rescued her and arranged for her treatment. The newborn and his mother will witness history. Throughout the day, the locals have come to the police station to see the newborn, rejoicing.”
The Padma Bridge opened to traffic in June 2022 and has already become a symbol of mobility and opportunity for millions across southern Bangladesh — stories like Hasi Akhter’s only deepen its place in the national memory. For more Bangladesh stories, read about the words of tea workers on MagazineXTime.
Source: ProthomAlo
