Teknaf upazila administration has issued a show-cause notice to the acting chairman of St Martin’s Island Union Parishad over infections among more than 50 children following a free circumcision programme.
The notice was served on Faijul Islam on Wednesday over alleged management failures and a lack of coordination with the health department.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh around 10pm.
According to administration, around 210 children underwent circumcision on 4 October at a residential hotel under the banner of the ‘Al Momin Samaj Kalyan Foundation’. Two days later, at least 50 children developed infections and bleeding at their wounds.
Relatives alleged that proper health and hygiene measures and medical precautions were not followed. They also alleged that money was collected from several individuals despite the programme being advertised as free.
Acting Chairman Faijul Islam denied negligence, saying a minor issue was being blown out of proportion. He said the target was 120 children, but additional children were circumcised after local residents gathered at the venue. He added that he later learned money had been collected from a few people.
Meanwhile, a medical team led by the Teknaf Upazila Health Officer arrived at St Martin’s around 11am on Wednesday. The team examined the affected children and provided necessary treatment and medicines.
The children are currently out of danger and are receiving treatment at the 10-bed St Martin’s Hospital.
UNO Anik said the administration would examine the causes of the illness and investigate whether there was any negligence after receiving the medical team’s report. Necessary action would be taken against those involved based on the findings.
