Snake Bite During Sleep Claims Schoolgirl’s Life in Jessore

An eight-year-old schoolgirl died after being bitten by a snake while she was asleep at her home in Abhaynagar upazila of Jessore. The tragic incident took place on Monday morning in the Sardarpara area of Singari village under Bagutia Union, leaving the child’s family and local residents deeply shocked.

The deceased, Jerin Khatun, was the only daughter of Jasim Uddin Sardar and Nazmin Nahar, residents of Sardarpara in Abhaynagar. She was a third-grade student at Chakoi Moricha Pre-Cadet School in the area.

According to her family, Jerin had gone to sleep after having dinner on Sunday night. In the early hours of Monday, while she was still asleep, a snake bit her. She soon became seriously ill as the effects of the bite began to appear.

Her father, Jasim Uddin Sardar, said the family members noticed her condition in the morning and immediately rushed her to Singari Mother and Child Health Centre for medical attention. However, the attending physician declared her dead upon arrival.

The incident has raised concerns among local residents, particularly as snake encounters have reportedly increased in the area following several days of continuous rainfall. The heavy rain has caused waterlogging around many homes, creating conditions that may have forced snakes to move into residential areas in search of dry shelter.

Jasim Uddin said the recent waterlogging had made the surroundings of their house more vulnerable to snake movement. He added that residents in the area had become increasingly worried about the growing presence of snakes after the prolonged rain.

Abhaynagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Nuruzzaman confirmed the death, saying that a third-grade student had died after being bitten by a snake. Police have registered an unnatural death case in connection with the incident.

Snake bites remain a recurring concern in rural areas of Bangladesh, particularly during the monsoon season when flooded fields, stagnant water and changing habitats often increase the likelihood of human contact with snakes. Health experts generally advise people to seek immediate medical assistance after a suspected snake bite and avoid relying on traditional treatments, as timely medical care can be critical in preventing fatalities.