A hospital was vandalised and two doctors were injured after relatives and locals allegedly attacked Mirpur Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia following the death of a three-year-old child who was brought there after drowning in a pond on Friday morning.
The incident temporarily disrupted emergency services at the 50-bed health facility.
The deceased child was identified as Rafi, son of Sabbir Hossain of Naodapara village under Fulbaria Union.
According to police and local residents, Rafi fell into a pond near his home around 8am. He was rescued in critical condition and taken to Mirpur Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty medical officer declared him dead after examination.
Following the news of the child’s death, tension spread among his relatives and locals at the hospital.
Hospital authorities said some agitated relatives and local people entered a doctor’s room, verbally abused staff and vandalised different parts of the facility, including the medical officer’s room.
Doctors Abdus Samad and Jannatul Ria were injured during the incident.
Police rushed to the hospital after receiving information and brought the situation under control.
The child’s family alleged that Rafi was alive when he was brought to the hospital and died due to medical negligence. They, however, denied allegations of assaulting doctors or taking part in the vandalism.
Jannatul Ria said hospital staff understood the grief of a family after losing a child but stressed that attacks and vandalism at healthcare facilities could seriously disrupt emergency services.
“Ensuring the safety of doctors and healthcare workers is essential,” she said.
Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Shahidul Islam said the situation was currently under control.
Police are working to identify those involved in the vandalism and take legal action after investigation, he added.
