Newborn dies after ambulance stranded by local syndicate in Shariatpur

A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday evening (August 15) in Shariatpur when a newborn succumbed to asphyxiation after his ambulance was blocked by a local ambulance syndicate for nearly 40 minutes, according to family and police sources.

The incident took place around 8:30pm near New Metro Clinic in Shariatpur Sadar.

Ruma Begum of Koneshwar, Damudya upazila, had delivered a baby boy via cesarean section at the clinic. The infant suffered severe respiratory distress and related complications immediately after birth, prompting doctors to advise an urgent transfer to a hospital in Dhaka.

The family arranged an ambulance for Tk 5,000, but before they could depart, members of a local ambulance syndicate — led by Sabuj Dewan and Abu Taher Dewan — intercepted the vehicle. They prohibited any ambulance outside their network from transporting patients. In the ensuing confrontation, they took the car keys from Dhaka ambulance driver Mosharraf Mia and blocked his access, while the newborn remained on oxygen treatment inside the vehicle.

Despite pleas from the child’s grandmother, Shefali Begum, the oxygen was cut off during the standoff, resulting in the infant’s death.

With grief, Shefali Begum said, “If they had let my grandson go to Dhaka in time, he might still be alive. They took the oxygen from him. I demand justice.”

The accused fled the scene following the incident.

Officers from Palang Model Police Station arrived shortly afterward to secure the area and restore order. An investigation has been launched.

Helal Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Palong Model Police Station, said, "We have received information regarding the incident. Further steps will be taken once a formal complaint is filed by the victim's family. However, we have not yet been able to locate them. If they do not come forward, we will proceed with necessary legal action on our own initiative. The perpetrator will be brought to justice promptly."