Residents of Hatia, an isolated island upazila of Noakhali, have been suffering for 15 years due to the absence of a functional post-mortem facility, forcing families to transport bodies to Maijdee General Hospital in Noakhali district headquarters for legal examinations.
Home to around 750,000 people, Hatia frequently witnesses deaths from road accidents, drowning, boat capsizes and other unnatural causes, where post-mortem examinations are required as part of legal procedures. However, the lack of an operational facility on the island means every body must be taken across the river to the mainland.
The journey becomes extremely risky during rough weather and turbulent waters, adding to the grief of families who have already lost their loved ones. Residents said they often have to wait for hours at the river terminals, increasing the risk of evidence deterioration in cases requiring forensic examination.
Boatman Alauddin said he once had to transport a body for post-mortem during dangerous weather conditions. “The journey normally takes 40 to 45 minutes, but we battled rough waves for nearly four to five hours. Delaying the examination for even a day or two could damage important evidence, so we had to take the risk,” he said.
Another resident said a body taken to Maijdee for post-mortem could only be brought back to Hatia after a four-hour delay when the boat developed a mechanical fault.
Hatia has a 50-bed health complex with a designated post-mortem room in front of the facility. However, the service has remained closed for nearly 15 years due to a shortage of essential manpower, particularly a mortuary attendant (dom), and the absence of a forensic doctor.
Victim’s relative Md Nur Nabi expressed frustration over the difficulties. “We have to take bodies to Noakhali and then wait for hours for the post-mortem. The government should take immediate steps to restart the service in Hatia,” he said.
Locals said several letters have been sent to higher authorities seeking the reopening of the post-mortem facility, but no effective action has yet been taken. They believe restoring the service on the island would reduce financial costs, save time and eliminate the risks of river travel during bad weather.
Hatia Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Mansi Rani Sarker said most residents are from fishing communities, particularly in the char areas. “If the mortuary is reopened, we need a mortuary attendant and a forensic doctor. This would greatly benefit the people of Hatia,” she said.
Residents hope the authorities will address the long-standing problem and restart post-mortem services on the island by appointing the required staff, reducing the suffering of families facing unnatural deaths.
