Police in Dasmina, Patuakhali, have launched an operation to recover a one-and-a-half-year-old boy allegedly sold for Tk100,000 by his father, carpenter Md Maruf. The incident was reported on Saturday morning in Betagi Boro Gopaldhi village. Family members allege Maruf took his son Musa from grandmother Mahfuza Begum, saying he would take the child to the market, but did not return.

The family later learned that Musa had allegedly been handed over to Imran Hossain of Ramanathsen village for money, which they say was intended to buy an iPhone. They further allege Maruf went to Dhaka with the child, exchanged an old iPhone for a new one, and later admitted under family pressure that he had transferred the child in writing for Tk100,000.

Imran acknowledged taking the child, saying Maruf had discussed giving him the boy for a long time and that the arrangement was made after discussions with family members. He said he left the child at his father-in-law's home on Saturday afternoon. Police said they are investigating the child's location, will verify the allegations after recovery, and will take legal action against those involved.