Rataneshwar Kumar, a mason from Sundarganj in Gaibandha, was bitten by a stray dog on his way to work and suffered deep wounds.
He was taken first to Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex and then to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital, but at both places was told no rabies vaccine was available.
His family searched hospitals, pharmacies and private clinics for more than 24 hours before securing a dose at high cost, but it was too late. Despite vaccination, he developed rabies and died on 8 May at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, 14 days after the bite.
Two others attacked by the same dog also died within 72 hours — Nanda Rani, 55, wife of Khoka Ram of Bajra Konchibari village, and Fulu Mia, son of Naib Uddin of Konchibari. Their deaths on 6 May and 8 May spread panic across Bajra Konchibari, Konchibari and Mondolerhat villages.
Locals said the dog bit 13 people, including two children and two women, on 22 April. None received vaccines at Gaibandha district hospital or the upazila health complex, forcing families to buy the doses at high prices from outside.
Rataneshwar’s brother Rabindra Kumar said, “We rushed him to the hospital right after the bite. They dressed the wounds but said there was no vaccine. The Sadar Hospital said the same. We searched everywhere but couldn’t find any.”
Among the injured, Afroza Begum, was sent to Dhaka in critical condition. Nine others, including women and children, are under treatment at home or local hospitals.
Relatives warned that without timely treatment and adequate vaccine supply, more people may die. They said crucial hours are wasted running from hospital to hospital, and even after buying vaccines at high cost, patients are still developing rabies.
Abdul Malek of Mondolerhat said, “People rush to hospitals, but vaccines aren’t available. Three have already died. We are living in fear.”
Union council member Tajrul Islam added, “Without vaccines, treatment couldn’t start in time. If government hospitals had adequate supply, these deaths could have been avoided.”
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dibakar Basak said, “No patients received treatment here. We had no vaccine supply. This month we received funds to buy 30 doses, which are distributed to district hospitals.”
He advised washing wounds immediately with soap and water and seeking hospital care, stressing that timely vaccination prevents rabies. He called for greater public awareness and reliable vaccine supply.
Gaibandha General Hospital was found without rabies vaccines on Tuesday, with three patients waiting for doses.
Md Bishal Talukder, from Sabdin village in Palashbari upazila, said, “A cat scratched me yesterday. I came for a vaccine today, but they say it’s finished.”
Taspiya, 18, and Bobita Khatun from Sundarganj also had to buy vaccines outside.
Hospital sources reported that 1,517 patients have received vaccines since January. Dog‑bite unit in‑charge Shafiqul Islam said, “Today the hospital’s supply ran out. New vaccines may arrive within two to three days.”
