A woman in Madaripur has allegedly abandoned her six-year-old son and left her marital home after becoming involved in an extramarital relationship through the social media platform TikTok. The incident has shocked the family and residents of Chandpatti village in Rajair upazila.
According to family members and neighbours, Ratna Begum (23) married Farid Matubbor (29) of Chandpatti village eight years ago. Two years later, the couple welcomed their son, Mohammad Baizid. Farid later moved to Cumilla with his wife and child for work, where he sold bedsheets in rural areas.
During this time, Ratna reportedly became involved in an affair with a Hindu man named Shubhankar from Chapainawabganj, whom she met through TikTok. The relationship continued for nearly two years over phone calls. When Baizid, then about six years old, told his father about his mother’s behaviour, Ratna allegedly began abusing the child at home.
Farid eventually returned to his village with his family, hoping to resolve the matter, but the situation did not improve. Taking advantage of Farid’s absence while he travelled to Bhola for business, Ratna left home to be with her alleged lover.
A week later, when Farid attempted to bring her back from her father’s house, Ratna refused and issued a unilateral divorce. For the last four months, young Baizid has been living without his mother’s care and affection.
Speaking with a distressed expression, Baizid said, “My mother is bad. She always talked to that man day and night. She didn’t love me. Whenever the phone rang, she went outside. When I told my father, she beat me and covered my mouth.”
Farid said, “I knew she used TikTok but never questioned her. I didn’t realize she was involved with a boy named Shubhankar. I spoke to him as well, hoping to settle the matter. But my wife left because of him. She divorced me and doesn’t even ask about her son.”
Cultural researcher and historian Subal Biswas said the rise of TikTok-related extramarital affairs is becoming a concerning social trend. “People of different ages are engaging in inappropriate behaviour online. While some cases become public, many remain hidden. In this case, a child has been abandoned. What will happen to his future?” he said.
Rajair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Masud Khan said no formal complaint has been filed regarding the incident. “If a complaint is lodged, necessary legal steps will be taken,” he added.
