A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl at Chandpur launch terminal while being transported from a remote char area of Matlab North upazila to hospital on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around noon aboard MV Hashempur launch as the woman was on her way to Chandpur Government General Hospital after experiencing labour pain.
According to river police at Chandpur launch terminal, they rushed to assist after receiving information about the delivery on the launch. With the help of volunteers, the mother and newborn were quickly taken to the hospital.
The woman’s husband, Al Amin Pradhaniya, said his wife developed severe labour pain while traveling from her father’s home in Jahirabad Char Umed area of Matlab. With no other option, several female passengers helped deliver the baby on board before the launch reached Chandpur.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Mahbubur Rahman told UNB that both the mother and the newborn are under close observation. The baby is doing well, but the mother experienced heavy bleeding, he said.
Meanwhile, the launch authorities provided immediate assistance to the mother, including Tk 5,000 in cash, new clothes for the newborn, and free lifetime travel for the child on the launch.