Doctors Suspended After Child’s Circumcision Death

The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has suspended the professional registrations of two physicians for six months following the death of a young boy during a circumcision procedure at a hospital in the capital. The decision was taken after an investigation into the death of Ayan Ahmed, which sparked widespread public concern about patient safety and medical accountability in Bangladesh.

The two doctors whose registrations have been temporarily withdrawn are anaesthesiologist Dr Syed Sabbir Ahmed and surgeon Dr Tasnuva Mahjabeen. According to officials, both physicians will be prohibited from practising medicine or presenting themselves as registered medical practitioners during the suspension period.

The decision was confirmed by Dr Liaquat Hossain, Registrar of the BMDC, following the council’s 54th meeting. He stated that the disciplinary action was taken under the provisions of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act 2010 and the BMDC Regulations 2022. The suspension officially came into effect on 3 March, and will remain in force for six months.

In its formal statement, the council said that the allegations brought against Dr Sabbir Ahmed in relation to the treatment of the child had been substantiated. As a result, his registration has been temporarily withdrawn under Section 23(1) of the BMDC Act and Regulation 36(4)(b) of the 2022 regulations.

In contrast, the council concluded that while direct medical negligence was not conclusively established in the case of Dr Tasnuva Mahjabeen, there was evidence of a lack of professional conduct during the procedure and subsequent care. On that basis, her registration was also suspended for the same duration.

Background of the Incident

The tragic incident occurred on 30 December 2023, when Ayan’s father, Shamim Ahmed, took his son to United Medical College Hospital in the Satarkul area of Badda, Dhaka, for a routine circumcision procedure. Prior to the operation, the child was administered anaesthesia. According to family members, doctors initially informed them that the boy would regain consciousness within approximately 30 minutes.

However, the child failed to wake up as expected. His condition deteriorated, and he remained unconscious for several days. He was later transferred to another facility within the same healthcare group, United Hospital in Gulshan-2, where he was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Despite intensive treatment, doctors declared the child dead at 11:20 pm on 31 December 2023.

Hospital authorities at the time reported that the child had suffered a cardiac arrest caused by air accumulation in the lungs, which subsequently triggered multi-organ failure, affecting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.

Investigation and Public Reaction

The incident generated widespread public criticism and raised serious questions about safety protocols in minor surgical procedures involving children. In response to the growing concern, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) formed a four-member investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.

Meanwhile, Ayan’s family sought legal and administrative remedies by filing complaints with the DGHS, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the BMDC. A formal case was also lodged against the two physicians involved in the procedure.

Following a prolonged review process, hearings, and evaluation of medical records and testimonies, the BMDC finally delivered its disciplinary verdict, resulting in the six-month suspension of both doctors’ registrations.

Key Facts of the Case

Health experts note that while circumcision is generally considered a routine and low-risk procedure, it still requires strict adherence to medical protocols, particularly regarding anaesthesia in children. The BMDC’s disciplinary decision is being viewed by many observers as a signal that regulatory bodies intend to strengthen oversight and professional accountability within the country’s healthcare system.