At least 45 people, including children, women, and men, were injured after a single rabid dog went on a biting spree in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali within just 40 minutes on Wednesday evening.
The incidents occurred across multiple locations in Kumarkhali Municipality, including Hall Bazar, Amtala, and Indra Intersection (Indra Mor).
The victims were rescued and taken to the Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. According to local residents, hospital sources, and relatives of the victims, the dog roamed around different parts of the town from the evening, biting pedestrians.
Doctors confirmed that 24 of the bite victims have received the rabies vaccine so far. Hospital sources said that rabies vaccines are being provided on the instructions of authorities, and all other incoming patients will also receive necessary vaccines and treatment.
Recounting the ordeal, a victim named Rokon said that he was standing in the town’s Hall Bazar area when a rabid dog bit his knee from behind and ran off. A local resident, Arif, shared that upon arriving at the hospital in the evening, he saw victims coming from various places with dog bites, warning that a major accident could occur if the dog is not identified quickly.
Kumarkhali Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Navid Sarowar said hospital authorities were directed to provide medical care immediately upon receiving news of the incident, adding that the administration is working to catch the dog.
Speaking to Times of Bangladesh, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer at Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex Dr Suporna Latif Ahmed said that at least 45 people were identified as victims of the dog bites.
She explained that 24 individuals have already been vaccinated, while several others had their wounds washed and returned home, with plans to receive their vaccines the following morning.
Dr Suporna expressed grave concern that a single dog is repeatedly biting people and remains at large in the area. She noted that the dog population in the town has increased, with some dogs displaying aggressive behaviour particularly towards children, and stressed that swift action is urgently required.
