A seven-month-old infant died on Tuesday afternoon while being transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital to another medical facility, amid allegations from family members that a hospital staff member removed the child’s oxygen support during the process. The incident has prompted questions over emergency handling, although the family has since declined to file a formal complaint.
According to relatives, the child had been suffering from multiple health complications for several weeks. He had previously received treatment at several facilities, including Rangpur Medical College Hospital and Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, before being brought to Dhaka in search of advanced care.
The deceased, the son of Helal Mia and Meghla Khatun, hailed from Parbatipur village in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur district. The father works in a jewellery shop, while the mother is employed in the garment sector. The family resides in the Bashan area of Gazipur.
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Allegations from the family
Family members stated that doctors at earlier hospitals had advised them not to remove the child’s oxygen mask due to severe breathing difficulties. Upon arrival at DMCH, they were reportedly informed that no beds were available in the paediatric ward and were advised to seek treatment elsewhere.
They further alleged that an emergency medical officer directed them to check bed availability in the paediatric department. A hospital employee, identified as Md Enayet Karim (40), allegedly accompanied them during this process and later informed them that no beds were available.
According to the family, the employee then suggested transferring the child to a private hospital in Katabon, where treatment costs were estimated at around Tk 25,000 per day. During the arrangement for transfer, they claimed the oxygen mask was removed and that more than 25 minutes were spent trying to secure an ambulance within the hospital premises.
The child reportedly died while being placed into an ambulance near the entrance of Building No. 2 at DMCH.
Key developments and timeline
| Time/Stage | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Earlier treatment | Child treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital and Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute |
| Arrival in Dhaka | Family brings child to Dhaka seeking advanced care |
| DMCH admission attempt | Family told no paediatric beds available |
| Transfer arrangement | Staff allegedly assists in finding alternative hospital and ambulance |
| Critical incident | Oxygen support allegedly removed during transfer process |
| Death confirmation | Child declared dead inside ambulance at DMCH premises |
| Police involvement | Staff member handed over to police camp |
| Later decision | Family withdraws complaint; no case filed |
Hospital staff response and police account
The staff member, Md Enayet Karim, told reporters that he had attempted to assist the family by identifying a nearby hospital with available facilities. He stated that he had contacted the facility and relayed confirmation of bed availability. However, he did not respond to questions regarding why oxygen support was allegedly not maintained during the transfer or why the child was not immediately moved using one of the ambulances stationed near the emergency gate.
A senior official at Shahbagh Police Station, Sub-Inspector Monmoth Halder, said the family initially made serious allegations at the hospital police camp but later submitted a written statement confirming that they did not wish to pursue any complaint. Police added that the decision not to proceed with legal action was also influenced by the requirement of a post-mortem examination had a case been formally lodged.
Family decision and departure
The child’s maternal uncle, Md Ripon, said the family had come to Dhaka in desperation, following medical advice from multiple hospitals. He added that, due to concerns over post-mortem procedures, the family ultimately decided against filing any complaint.
Later in the evening, the family left Dhaka for Rangpur with the child’s body for burial.