Five Die After Dog Attack, Eight Injured Live in Fear of Death
Collected Photo
At least five people have died and eight others injured by the same dog-bite are living in fear at Bajra Kanchibari village of Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha district.
The incident occurred on April 22, when a dog attacked 13 people within a short span of time in Bajra Kanchibari village. Over the past seven days, five of the victims have died of rabies, while the remaining eight are undergoing treatment and living in constant fear of death.
Those who died include Afroza Begum (40), wife of Matiar Rahman of Dhubni Bazar area under Kanchibari Union; Nanda Rani (55), wife of Khoka Ram of Kanchibari village; Phulu Mia (52), son of Naib Uddin of the same village; Sultana Begum (39), wife of Abdus Salam of Dhubni Bazar area; and Ratneshwar Barman (42), son of Khoka Barman from Ward No. 8 of Chaprahati Union.
Those currently ill and receiving treatment include Fazitan Nessa, wife of Lutfar Rahman; Rumina Begum, wife of Ashraful Ananda; Nazrul Islam, son of Lal Mia; Hamidul Islam, son of late Umitullah Bepari; Golenur Begum, wife of Zainal Abedin; Mitu Akter, daughter of Monsur Ali; Atiqur Mia, son of Shahidul Islam; Labanya Akter, daughter of Khairul Islam; and Bijoy Hossain, son of Anisur Rahman.
Local residents said on the morning of April 22, the dog suddenly got frenzy in that village and did bite 13 people one after another, seriously injuring them. All the injured later received vaccines from different locations. As some victims’ conditions worsened, they were taken to Rangpur for advanced treatment.
Gaibandha Civil Surgeon Dr. Rafiquzzaman said, “None of the victims sought treatment in time after being bitten by the dog. Vaccines were available at the hospital.”
District Livestock Officer Dr. Abdur Razzak said, “We have no direct role in this matter. Union Parishads or municipalities are responsible. In areas where such incidents occur, dogs need to be vaccinated, but we do not have vaccines.”
Meanwhile, Gaibandha District Council Administrator Dr. Moinul Hasan Sadiq said, “Dog culling activities have been suspended due to request made by some animal rights activists. However, public safety awareness is essential. If everyone receives vaccines within a specified time, rabies can be prevented. I will advise the Gaibandha civil surgeon to take necessary steps so that people receive vaccines on time and are saved from death.”
