Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent
A 20-year-old woman died while undergoing surgery for gallstones at a private clinic in Bagerhat municipality, prompting her family to allege medical negligence. However, the clinic authorities have denied the allegation, saying the patient developed a sudden increase in heart rate during the operation and could not be revived.
The deceased was identified as Nasima Akter, 20, wife of Sumon Sardar, from Bardaria village under Dhopakhali Union in Kachua upazila of Bagerhat.
According to family members and clinic sources, Nasima was admitted to Poly Clinic, located near the Old Bazar area of Bagerhat town, after being diagnosed with gallstones. Her operation reportedly began at around 11pm on Monday (August 10) under the supervision of clinic director Dr Sunil Kumar.
Family members said the surgery continued for nearly two hours before Nasima’s condition deteriorated. They alleged that they were not immediately informed about the seriousness of her condition and were later told at around 4am on Tuesday (August 11) that she had died.
Nasima’s husband, Sumon Sardar, alleged that his wife’s death was caused by negligence in treatment. He also claimed that he was offered money to settle the matter, an allegation that could not be independently verified.
A relative alleged that the family heard shouting from inside the operating theatre during the procedure. When they asked about the situation, they were reportedly told that a nurse had shouted and that the patient was doing well. The family later learned of Nasima’s death, the relative claimed.
A local resident also called for an investigation into the clinic’s medical facilities and operating-theatre infrastructure, alleging that there had been previous deaths at the facility.
Rejecting the allegations, Poly Clinic director Dr Sunil Kumar said Nasima had undergone the necessary medical tests before the operation. He said her heart rate suddenly increased during the surgery and she subsequently died despite efforts to save her.
Following the death, relatives gathered at the clinic, creating tension at the premises. Police later arrived and brought the situation under control.
Md Samsul Arifin, Officer-in-Charge of Bagerhat Sadar Model Police Station, said no complaint had yet been received from the family. He added that legal action would be taken if a formal complaint was submitted.
The Bagerhat Civil Surgeon, Dr A.S.M. Md Mahbubul Alam, could not be reached immediately for comment.
The exact cause of Nasima’s death and whether there was any medical negligence remain unconfirmed. A post-mortem examination and investigation by the relevant authorities would be necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
News Published By:
Bangladesh Diary
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