Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members rescued an abducted 18-month-old girl, Rafsa, from the city's Koia Bazar area and arrested the alleged abductor.

The arrestee was identified as Nayan Sheikh, a resident of Chhoto Bahirdia village under Fakirhat upazila of Bagerhat district, according to RAB sources.

RAB sources said the child was rescued during a drive conducted in the area on Wednesday night, when the accused was also apprehended.

According to locals, Nayan and his wife had been living as tenants at the house of Ranga Mia, adjacent to the residence of Rafsa's father Abdur Rashid Khan. The two families had a close relationship and frequently visited each other.

On Wednesday around 11:00 am, Nayan's wife took the child from her mother, Tuli Begum, on the pretext of carrying her for a while and went to their house.

Later, instead of returning the child, Nayan and his wife left the house with the girl. When the family went to inquire, they were told that the child had been taken to a nearby shop.

As the couple did not return, Rafsa's parents began searching for their daughter.

Later, when contacted over mobile phone, the abductors allegedly demanded ransom and threatened to kill the child if the money was not paid.

Following the incident, the child's father filed a General Diary with Fakirhat Police Station, prompting law enforcers, including RAB, to launch an investigation.

RAB-6 Company Commander Major Md Nazmul Islam said they learned in the afternoon that the child had been brought to Khulna after being abducted. Acting on the information, RAB intensified intelligence surveillance and conducted an operation.

"After around six hours of operation, we successfully rescued the child from the Koia Bazar area and arrested Nayan Sheikh. The child was found safe and unharmed," he added.

Legal action against the accused is underway, the RAB official said.