Twin Brothers Die After Measles Battle

A grieving father from Bangladesh is mourning the devastating loss of his one-year-old twin sons, who died within a span of just twelve days after battling complications linked to measles, despite extensive treatment across multiple hospitals and spending nearly six lakh taka on their care.

Harunur Rashid, a small shopkeeper from the Khoyachhara Union in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram, broke down as he recounted the ordeal that consumed his family. “I approached relatives, friends, even NGOs—no one I knew was left unasked. I spent nearly six lakh taka in total. I moved from hospital to hospital trying to save my sons, but I could not keep my two treasures alive,” he said through tears.

The twins, Abdulloh Al Fahim and Abdulloh Al Noman, were born on 16 April last year. Their arrival had brought joy to the family, which also includes a six-year-old daughter. However, that joy gradually turned into despair as both children fell seriously ill in quick succession.

According to family accounts, Fahim first developed breathing difficulties on 8 March this year and was admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. He was diagnosed with measles on 18 March. After initial improvement, he was discharged on 25 March, but his condition deteriorated again shortly afterwards, requiring readmission.

In mid-April, Noman began showing similar symptoms and was also diagnosed with measles after being taken to the same hospital. His condition worsened, and he died on 22 May while undergoing treatment.

Fahim’s health also continued to decline due to complications arising after the infection. Following Noman’s death, he was taken to Bangladesh Medical University Hospital in Dhaka. However, due to a shortage of intensive care beds, he was transferred three days later to a specialised hospital in Narayanganj. Despite ongoing treatment, Fahim died while receiving care. He was buried following funeral prayers at the family graveyard on Wednesday night.

Harunur Rashid said he was forced to shut his small grocery shop for nearly three months to care for his children, relying on loans to cover medical expenses. “We even stayed without food at the hospital at times. If I had been able to bring them back home alive, I would have accepted all the debt without regret,” he said.

Neighbours described the twins as cheerful and affectionate children who were deeply loved in the community.

Medical and Timeline Overview

The tragedy has left the family in deep financial hardship and emotional devastation, underscoring the wider challenges faced by low-income families navigating prolonged medical crises.