A 25-year-old woman died after undergoing a Caesarean section at a private hospital in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur, triggering protests and vandalism by her relatives and locals. Authorities have formed a three-member investigation committee and sealed off the hospital.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am on Monday at Life Care Hospital in the Kewa Paschimkhanda area near Mawna Chourasta.
Ruma, wife of Manik Mia from Ujilab area of Sreepur municipality, was admitted to the hospital early Saturday after experiencing labour pain. On Sunday morning, doctors performed a C-section and delivered a baby boy.
According to family members, the hospital authorities kept Ruma in the operating theatre for hours after the surgery and did not allow relatives to see her. When they eventually forced their way into the operating room, they found her dead.
Angered by the incident, relatives and locals vandalized the four-storey hospital building and later blocked the Mawna–Kaliakair regional road, causing severe traffic congestion.
Hospital Managing Director Azaharul Islam Parvez claimed the attackers caused damage worth around Tk 1.5 crore and looted Tk 20 lakh in cash.
Sreepur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Shafiqul Islam said allegations suggest there was no doctor available for the required 24-hour post-operative monitoring. He added that the newborn is in critical condition and requires urgent treatment.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saidul Islam said the hospital lacked a valid licence and adequate medical facilities. Following the incident, the facility was sealed off and legal action is underway.
