The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has suspended the professional registrations of two physicians for six months following the death of a young child during a circumcision procedure at a private hospital in the capital. The disciplinary action was taken after a prolonged investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ayan Ahmed, which sparked widespread public concern about medical accountability and patient safety in Bangladesh.
The two doctors whose registrations have been temporarily withdrawn are Dr Syed Sabbir Ahmed and Dr Tasnuva Mahjabeen. According to BMDC Registrar Dr Liaquat Hossain, the decision was taken during the council’s 54th meeting after reviewing investigation reports, legal provisions, and hearing submissions from the concerned parties.
During the six-month suspension period, both physicians are prohibited from practising medicine anywhere in Bangladesh. They are also barred from identifying themselves as registered medical practitioners. The restriction came into effect on 3 March.
In an official statement, the BMDC said that allegations brought against Dr Syed Sabbir Ahmed—who administered anaesthesia before the circumcision procedure—were proven during the inquiry. As a result, his registration has been temporarily withdrawn under Section 23(1) of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act 2010 and Rule 36(4)(b) of the BMDC Regulations 2022.
Meanwhile, although the investigation did not establish direct medical negligence in the surgical procedure conducted by Dr Tasnuva Mahjabeen, the council concluded that there had been a lack of professional conduct in the handling of the case. Consequently, her registration has also been suspended for six months.
Under Section 22(1) of the same law, both physicians are barred during this period from providing any form of allopathic treatment or presenting themselves as medical doctors within the country.
Background of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred on 30 December 2023 when Ayan Ahmed was taken by his father, Shamim Ahmed, to a branch of United Medical College Hospital located in the Satarkul area of Badda in Dhaka for a routine circumcision procedure. Prior to the surgery, the child was administered anaesthesia.
According to the family, hospital authorities had informed them that the child would regain consciousness within approximately 30 minutes following the procedure. However, Ayan did not regain consciousness as expected.
Even after four days had passed, the child remained unconscious. He was later transferred to another hospital belonging to the same healthcare group, located in Gulshan-2. There he was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for critical treatment.
Doctors at the facility eventually declared Ayan dead at 11:20 pm on 31 December.
Hospital physicians later stated that the child had suffered a cardiac arrest due to the accumulation of air in the lungs. This condition reportedly led to multi-organ failure, affecting vital organs including the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The incident triggered widespread criticism across the country, with many questioning the safety protocols followed during minor surgical procedures in private healthcare institutions. In response to the growing public outcry, the Directorate General of Health Services formed a four-member investigation committee to examine the matter.
Seeking justice, Ayan’s family filed complaints with the Directorate General of Health Services, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the BMDC. Legal proceedings were also initiated against the two physicians involved in the case.
After months of investigation and hearings, the BMDC finally announced its disciplinary decision, marking a significant step in addressing concerns regarding professional accountability in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.
Key Facts of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Child’s name | Ayan Ahmed |
| Date of incident | 30 December 2023 |
| Location of procedure | United Medical College Hospital, Satarkul, Dhaka |
| Transfer to critical care | United Hospital, Gulshan-2 |
| Time of death | 31 December, 11:20 pm |
| Doctors involved | Dr Syed Sabbir Ahmed, Dr Tasnuva Mahjabeen |
| Decision-making authority | Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council |
| Disciplinary action | Suspension of medical registration |
| Duration of suspension | Six months |
| Effective date | 3 March |
Medical experts say the case highlights the importance of strict adherence to clinical safety standards, particularly in procedures involving anaesthesia. The BMDC’s decision is expected to serve as a reminder of the need for professional accountability and patient safety across the healthcare sector.