Tanvir Ahammed :
An eight-year-old boy, Tanvir, has died following incorrect medical treatment at a local pharmacy, Dhaka Medical College Hospital confirmed. The child passed away at 2:30 am on Friday (22 August), according to his father, Md Moslem.
Through tearful words, Moslem said, “My beloved child is no more. Even if he had survived as a differently-abled child, I would have cared for him myself. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, my son has left us.”
Doctors reported that Tanvir had been admitted with meningococcal septicemia. Due to sepsis, gangrene developed in his hands and feet. Portions of both legs turned black and required amputation to save his life, but despite these interventions, the boy could not be saved.
Tanvir’s ordeal began on 23 April, after a two-day fever, when his parents took him to a local pharmacy. Suspecting dengue, the pharmacy administered four injections, which were later found to be incorrect. This treatment ultimately led to the loss of his limbs and, eventually, his life.
The tragic news has left the boy’s village of Phulkachia in Kachia Union, as well as surrounding areas, in mourning. Tanvir will be buried in the family graveyard after Asr prayers today.
Four months ago, Tanvir became critically ill following the pharmacy treatment by SACMO Shafiqul Islam at Akib’s pharmacy, located in front of Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex, Bhola. After the injections, his condition deteriorated sharply, forcing doctors to amputate all four limbs. His parents remain in deep distress.
Following the incident, Tanvir’s mother filed a case on 16 July at Bhola District Judge Court against SACMO Shafiqul Islam and the pharmacy owner, Akib. SACMO Shafiqul Islam has been arrested and is currently in Bhola District Jail, while Akib is yet to be apprehended. Tanvir’s father expressed his grief: “He used to run, play, and walk in front of me… remembering those moments now pains me deeply. He could not walk-and now he is gone. My heart feels torn apart.”
Doctors note that bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal disease, can be life-threatening but is often treatable if addressed promptly. Research indicates that meningococcal cases make up roughly 18 per cent of bacterial meningitis in Bangladesh, with an average mortality rate of around 10 per cent in the country, 10-20 per cent globally, and up to 80 per cent in severe cases. With proper treatment, survival rates typically range between 80-90 per cent.
According to Medi-Covers Hospital, meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can infect the bloodstream and central nervous system. The bacteria are spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, or shared personal items such as utensils, and can lead to meningitis or septicemia.
