Angry relatives of a deceased pregnant woman vandalized Enam Clinic and Diagnostic Center in Bogra on Saturday night, alleging that medical negligence led to her and her unborn child’s death.
The incident occurred in the heart of the city, where the clinic's signboard and doors were smashed in protest.
Law enforcement later arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control.
According to the victim’s family and police sources, Rokhsana Akter, a resident of Mathurapur village in Shariakandi upazila, had been admitted to the clinic earlier that day due to labour pains.
However, despite being in severe distress, no doctor attended to her for nearly 12 hours, they claimed.
Her family alleged that gynaecologist Dr Umme Salma Jannati, under whose care she had been admitted, was absent, and the clinic staff kept delaying medical attention.
By the time a doctor finally arrived late at night, Rokhsana’s condition had deteriorated, and she was advised to be transferred elsewhere.
She was eventually taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, where she and her unborn child were declared dead.
As news of her death spread, enraged relatives staged a protest in front of the clinic, placing the body in an ambulance outside its premises.
As tensions escalated, the clinic's staff and doctors reportedly locked the doors and fled.
The protest soon turned violent, with the family and other demonstrators vandalizing the clinic.
Local sources allege that the clinic, operated under the name of Dr Umme Salma Jannati, is unofficially run by her husband, Dr Enamul Haque, a government-employed doctor at Shahjahanpur Upazila Health Complex.
There are further accusations from locals that the clinic is known for conducting illegal abortion procedures rather than providing legitimate healthcare services.
Bogra Civil Surgeon Dr Farjanul Islam Nirjhor said an internal investigation into the incident has begun.
He added that if the victim’s family formally files a complaint and negligence is confirmed, legal action will be taken against the clinic.
Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police (Bogra Sadar Circle) Mostafa Manzur said no official complaint had been lodged as of Sunday afternoon.
However, he added that an investigation will be carried out in coordination with the civil surgeon’s office if a complaint is filed.
