Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Apr 15, 2026 (BSS) - A critically ill seven-month-old infant travelling on Bhola-to-Dhaka river route was rescued after falling seriously ill with breathing distress aboard the passenger’s launch Karnaphuli-3 on Monday afternoon. 

According to a press release today , a fellow passenger on the vessel immediately contacted the National Emergency Service 999, seeking urgent medical and rescue assistance after the child’s condition deteriorated.

The information was promptly relayed from 999 to the Bangladesh Coast Guard control room for immediate action. The call was received by 999 call taker Constable Farzana Akhter, while Police Dispatcher ASI Md. Azgar Ali coordinated the rescue operation with the concerned Coast Guard units.

Following the alert, a rescue team from Pagla in Narayanganj was rushed by the Bangladesh Coast Guard with emergency medical support.

As the launch was navigating through the Meghna River in Munshiganj, Coast Guard personnel reached the moving vessel and provided oxygen support to the critically ill infant on board.

Later, the child was transferred to a high-speed Coast Guard speedboat and safely transported to Sadarghat in Dhaka. From there, an ambulance rushed the infant to Kumirtola General Hospital for further treatment.

Officials confirmed that the child is currently receiving medical care at the hospital and remains under observation.

The entire operation was coordinated through the National Emergency Service 999, ensuring rapid response and life-saving intervention at sea.