DHAKA UNIVERSITY: Teachers and students of the Dhaka University have demanded trial for those were involved in ‘wrong treatment’ of Afia Jahan, 20, a first year student of Zoology Department of the university.

They made the demand at a human chain formed at Raju Bhaskorjo on the campus on Wednesday morning (May 24).

Students of the university formed the human chain protesting the death of their fellow- Afia Jahan who died in city’s Central Hospital due to alleged wrong treatment.

Hundreds of students of the university and teachers of Afia’s department joined the hour-long human chain. They chanted various slogans demanding trial for those who were involved in wrong treatment.  

Afia’s course teacher Dr Niamul Naser, associate professor of Zoology Department Dr Gausia Wahidunnesa, fourth year student of the department Jaber Khan and admin of Dhaka University family Motakabbir Khan Probas spoke at the program, among others.

Dr Niamul Naser said that Afia was admitted to the Central Hospital with pneumonia. Later, the hospital authorities diagnosed her with cancer. “The mystery has been created about the death of Afia as reason of her death was not confirmed in the death certificate. We want trial for those were involved in negligence in treatment,” he said.

Dr Niamul Naser alleged that three doctors of the hospital explained differently. It proves that there was no coordination in the hospital, he added.
Jaber Khan placed there-point demand. The demands are-- the hospital authorities have to apologize for negligence and wrong treatment, trial for false propaganda against Afia, and apology from Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) for issuing press release in this regard.

Afia was taken to the Central Hospital on May 17 after suffering from severe Dengu fever. However, doctors of the hospital diagnosed her with “acute myeloblastic leukaemia”, a type of blood cancer

The doctors of the private hospital declared her dead on May 18. Just before she died, students of the Dhaka University claimed that the doctors confirmed that she actually had Dengue fever

The death triggered protest and demand for punishment of the doctors. The DU students vandalized several rooms and other things on the hospital.

A case was filed by DU authorities with Dhanmondi police station on charges of ‘negligence in treatment accusing nine doctors and officials of the hospital. A doctor was arrested that night and got bail later, while others were bailed on Tuesday.

BDST: 1558 HRS, MAY 24, 2017
EHJ