Ansar member rescues 9-month-old baby at Secretariat metro station

An Ansar member detained a 40-year-old man carrying a nine-month-old baby at the Secretariat metro rail station on Tuesday morning after his suspicious behaviour raised concerns among passengers.

The incident took place around 10:30am on Platform 1 of the station, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force.

On-duty Ansar member Md Shahin Mia noticed the man hurriedly moving through the platform with the crying infant. When Shahin and other passengers questioned him, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, the release said.

The man later attempted to flee the station but was detained by Shahin.

The suspect, identified as Rana, was subsequently handed over to Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Police along with the child for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Md Ripon Bepari, the platoon commander of the Ansar members deployed at the station, informed the station controller about the incident.

During police questioning in the presence of Ansar members, the suspect allegedly admitted to taking the baby from a slum in the Cantonment area, according to the release.

Authorities are now trying to identify the child's parents or guardians and reunite the baby with the family.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force said its members remain on duty at metro rail stations and other important state installations to help ensure public safety.