Autopsy could not be conducted as bodies taken by force: Hospital authorities

The authorities of Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital have issued a clarification regarding the absence of autopsies for the victims killed in the July 16 clash in Gopalganj. In a press release issued by the hospital, it was stated that the autopsies could not be conducted because the victims' relatives forcibly took the bodies away.

The statement also dismissed allegations that the hospital authorities had deliberately avoided conducting the autopsies, calling such claims “baseless and untrue.”

In the statement released to the media on Sunday, July 20, the hospital authorities said, “We have come across some reports in the media, social platforms, and from the families of the victims, claiming that the hospital intentionally handed over the bodies without autopsy. This information is entirely incorrect.”

According to the hospital, when the first deceased person was brought to the emergency department on the day of the incident, the on-duty doctor declared him dead and began preparations for an autopsy as per protocol. However, the victim’s family members became agitated and forcibly took the body.

Similar incidents occurred with the remaining bodies as well. The hospital reported that the families refused to consent to autopsies, behaved aggressively with staff, and took the bodies by force.

The statement further added, “As the clash was still ongoing near the hospital and law enforcement was not present at the time, the hospital authorities felt helpless. All doctors, nurses, and staff were busy attending to the injured. Due to the tense external situation, immediate communication with police proved unsuccessful despite our best efforts. Later, the matter was conveyed to the police both over the phone and in writing.”

The hospital concluded the statement by saying, “Gopalganj General Hospital remains committed to providing sincere healthcare services to the people of Gopalganj. We hope this statement will help dispel any public misunderstanding that may have arisen regarding the incident.”