Protests erupt after teenager dies at Moulvibazar hospital, family alleges negligence

A 13-year-old girl died while undergoing treatment at a tea garden hospital in Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila this morning around 8:30am, triggering protests by locals who alleged medical negligence.

The deceased, Oishi Rabidas, was from Shamshernagar Tea Garden, said Kamalganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Awal.

According to family members, Oishi was admitted to Camellia Duncan Foundation Hospital yesterday afternoon with severe headache. Her condition worsened at night, but relatives alleged that she did not receive timely medical attention.

Ranjit Rabidas, the girl’s uncle, alleged that despite repeated requests, no doctor attended to the patient during the night.

“We asked for an emergency doctor several times, but none was available. When we requested a referral to another facility, we were told her condition was manageable here,” he said.

The girl’s condition deteriorated further this morning, and she died at the hospital, the family said.

Following her death, agitated locals and tea garden workers staged demonstrations on the hospital premises, demanding accountability and the resignation of the hospital’s director.

Sajal Kairi, a local tea worker leader, said protesters brought out processions and held rallies condemning the alleged negligence. Police later arrived to bring the situation under control.

Hospital authorities, however, denied the allegations.

Dr Bahauddin, an assistant senior manager at the hospital told this correspondent that they had advised taking the patient to another facility during the night, but the family declined.

“The patient’s guardians preferred to wait until morning. Her condition worsened later, and she passed away here,” he said.

OC Md Abdul Awal said the situation was brought under control after assurances were given to address the protesters’ concerns.

“No case had been filed in connection with the incident,” he added.