Attack on female doctor after child declared dead, hospital vandalised

An attack on four people, including a female doctor, has been reported at Mirpur Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia after a child who drowned was declared dead. During the incident, the doctor's room and various areas of the emergency department were vandalised.

The incident took place around 9am on Friday, September 18. Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam and Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Piyush Kumar Saha confirmed the matter.

According to hospital sources, Rafi, the three-year-old son of Sabbir Hossain of Nawdapara village in Fulbaria union of the upazila, drowned in water. Later, relatives brought him to Mirpur Upazila Health Complex in a critical condition. The doctor on duty declared the child dead after examination.

The hospital authorities said that after the child was declared dead, relatives and several local individuals became agitated and entered the doctor's room and misbehaved. At one point, they vandalised the glass and other parts of the room of Medical Officer No. 11.

Medical Officer Dr Mosammat Riazul Jannat, Sub-Assistant Medical Officer Abdus Samad, an emergency department worker and an Ansar member were injured in the attack. The attackers later left the scene.

The child's father, Sabbir Ahmmed, alleged that after being taken to the hospital, the doctor examined the child's chest once and went to her room. They became angry as no doctor was present for a long time afterwards. Later, another doctor came and examined the child's chest, and an altercation ensued. He claimed that the glass broke during the scuffle, but no one intentionally assaulted anyone.

Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said the doctors on duty confirmed after examination that the child had died before being brought to the hospital. Afterwards, the relatives vandalised the hospital's doors and other areas and harassed the doctor on duty. Police went to the scene after receiving information, but by then the attackers had left.

The OC said hospital video footage was collected to identify those involved in the attack. Efforts are underway to arrest them.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Piyush Kumar Saha said that after the child was brought to the hospital, the doctors on duty declared him dead after examination as per the rules. Afterwards, the people accompanying the patient attacked the doctors and hospital staff. Four people, including the female medical officer, were injured. The emergency department was also extensively vandalised.

Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that the son of a local BNP leader was involved in the incident. However, no statement could be obtained from the individual concerned either denying or confirming involvement.

Upazila BNP President Ashrafuzzaman Shahin said that whoever is involved in the incident will be identified through video footage and action will be taken against those responsible.