One killed in fight between patients in Pabna mental hospital

A patient has died following a clash between two patients at Pabna Mental Hospital, with another injured in the incident, hospital director Shafkat Wahid confirmed on Monday afternoon, June 8.

According to the director, Nazmul, 28, of Ullapara in Sirajganj, and Injamul Haque, 26, of Jhenaidah, got into a fight late on June 2 in the residential ward. Injamul died on the spot after being struck on the head, while Nazmul was also injured. Both were admitted to the same ward and were suffering from mental health issues; Nazmul had schizophrenia.

The victim's family alleged that the incident occurred due to hospital negligence in keeping two high-risk patients in the same ward and failing to intervene quickly.

Nazmul's wife, Bilkis Khatun, claimed that authorities were informed about her husband's mental condition at the time of admission, but no measures were taken. Nazmul's father, Abdul Malek, alleged that hospital staff beat his son after the incident and attempted to cover it up.

The victim's brother, Ijajul Haque, filed a murder case at Pabna Sadar Police Station, stating that the real responsibility lies with the hospital's mismanagement and that effective measures could have prevented the tragedy.

Additional Superintendent of Police Rezinur Rahman said an investigation is underway, and a report will be submitted soon.

Hospital Nursing Superintendent Rekha Akter said mental patients can suddenly become violent, and it is very difficult to control such situations at night with limited staff.

Hospital director Shafkat Wahid said separate isolation or special facilities are needed for high-risk patients, which must be developed urgently.