A deeply distressing incident in the Khaiyachhara Union of Mirsarai Upazila in Chattogram has left a family shattered after one-year-old twin brothers died within just 12 days of each other following complications linked to measles symptoms.
The tragedy unfolded in the Purbokhaiyachhara Takiapara area, where parents Harunur Rashid and his wife Israt Jahan lost their infant sons, Abdullah Al Fahim and Abdullah Al Noman. The couple, who also have a six-year-old daughter, had welcomed the twins on 16 April last year, bringing immense joy to their household. That happiness, however, has now been replaced by grief and financial despair.
According to family accounts, Fahim first developed breathing difficulties in early March this year. He was admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors later confirmed a measles infection on 18 March. Although his condition briefly improved and he was discharged home, his health deteriorated again shortly afterwards.
In mid-April, his twin brother Noman began showing similar symptoms. He was also taken to the same medical college hospital, where tests confirmed measles infection. Despite medical efforts, Noman passed away on 22 May while undergoing treatment.
Fahim’s condition continued to worsen, prompting his transfer to Dhaka for advanced care. However, due to a shortage of intensive care beds, he was subsequently moved to a neonatal hospital in Narayanganj. He later died there while receiving treatment.
The emotional toll on the parents has been compounded by severe financial strain. Harunur Rashid stated that he spent his entire savings and borrowed nearly six lakh taka from relatives, friends, and non-governmental sources in an attempt to save his children. He also had to keep his small business closed for an extended period, further deepening the family’s economic hardship.
Local residents described the twins as cheerful and lively children, whose presence brought happiness to the neighbourhood. Their deaths have cast a sombre atmosphere over the community, with many expressing shock at the rapid succession of losses within the same family.
Health experts often warn that measles can become life-threatening in young children, particularly when complications such as respiratory distress occur. Timely vaccination and early medical intervention are widely regarded as critical in preventing severe outcomes.
Timeline of Events
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 16 April (previous year) | Birth of twins Abdullah Al Fahim and Abdullah Al Noman |
| Early March (this year) | Fahim develops breathing difficulties |
| 18 March | Measles infection confirmed in Fahim |
| Late March | Fahim discharged home after initial improvement |
| Mid-April | Noman develops similar symptoms |
| 22 May | Death of Noman at Chattogram Medical College Hospital |
| Following period | Fahim transferred to Dhaka, then Narayanganj due to ICU shortage |
| Subsequent days | Death of Fahim during treatment |
This heartbreaking case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impact infectious diseases can have on vulnerable children, particularly when compounded by delayed complications and limited critical care access.