Seven-Year-Old Dies During Circumcision, Inquiry Launched

A seven-year-old boy, Mohammad Mostofa, tragically died during a circumcision procedure at a private hospital in Chittagong city, prompting the district civil surgeon’s office to establish a five-member investigation committee.

The committee was formed on Wednesday, 7 January, following widespread attention on social media regarding the incident. Deputy Civil Surgeon Mohammad Tauhidul Anwar has been appointed as the committee’s chairperson. The panel has been instructed to submit a detailed report within seven working days. District Civil Surgeon Jahangir Alam stated, “The committee has been set up in response to public concern. Appropriate measures will be taken based on their findings.”

According to reports, Mostofa was initially admitted to a private hospital in Bahaddarhat, Chittagong, on Saturday, 3 January, for the circumcision procedure. He was subsequently transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital at 6:00 pm the same day. Unfortunately, he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at approximately 10:00 pm. The death certificate listed cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

Mostofa’s family resides in Purbo Gomdandi village of Boalkhali Upazila. He was the eldest child and had a younger brother aged two. His father, Abu Musa, alleged that “incorrect administration of anaesthesia caused my son’s death.” He further stated that Mostofa’s treatment had been under the supervision of Assistant Professor Mohammad Junaid Chowdhury from the Paediatric Surgery Department at Chittagong Medical College, while he was also receiving care at Safe Health Care Hospital.

Chittagong Medical College Principal Mohammad Jasim Uddin explained, “Spinal anaesthesia is generally used for circumcision procedures. Though rare, side effects can occur. To determine the precise cause of this child’s death, a thorough review of all medical details is essential.”

The sequence of events is summarised in the following table:

The death of Mohammad Mostofa has sparked widespread concern about medical safety standards during routine procedures. The forthcoming report by the investigation committee is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend any necessary administrative or legal action.