Child dies under anaesthesia at Kushtia private hospital; 2 doctors detained
Family members alleged that the child died within minutes of being put under anaesthesia.
A six-year-old girl died minutes after being administered anaesthesia for surgery at a private hospital in Kushtia last evening (27 April), triggering unrest and vandalism by relatives and locals.
The incident occurred around 7:30pm at Ekota Private Hospital in the Molla Teghoria area of Kushtia town. Police later detained two doctors for questioning.
The deceased, Tasnia Afrin, 6, was the daughter of Tarikul Islam from Sanpukuria village in Kumarkhali upazila.
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According to family members, Tasnia fractured her left arm after falling from a staircase four to five days earlier and was taken to the private hospital yesterday after her condition did not improve despite initial treatment.
Doctors recommended surgery, and the family agreed. Around 7pm, Tasnia was taken to the operating theatre, where Assistant Professor Abdul Hadi of Kushtia Medical College Hospital prepared to perform the surgery, while anaesthetist Taherul Al Amin administered anaesthesia.
Family members alleged that the child died within minutes of being put under anaesthesia.
As news of her death spread, relatives outside the operating theatre broke down in tears, and an agitated crowd later vandalised the hospital.
Police, along with army personnel, arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. They remained deployed until around 11pm.
The family has accused the doctors of negligence, alleging that improper administration of anaesthesia led to the child's death.
Speaking to reporters, anaesthetist Taherul Al Amin told reporters that all pre-operative tests were normal. "She died after general anesthesia was administered. It is possible she suffered a cardiac arrest," he said.
Hossain Imam, resident medical officer at Kushtia General Hospital, said such fatalities can occur if expired or low-quality anesthetic drugs are used, or if the dosage is incorrect. "The exact cause of death will be determined only after the autopsy report," he added.
Saidul Islam, managing director of Ekota Private Hospital, confirmed that the death occurred immediately after the child was sedated. He noted that the hospital is cooperating with the authorities.
Civil Surgeon SM Kamal Hossain said authorities are looking into the matter and would investigate whether there had been any professional negligence.
Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Model Police Station Kabir Hossain Matubbar said the situation is now under control. "We have detained two doctors for questioning. Legal action will be initiated once a formal written complaint is received from the family," the OC added.
