An old man named Jalal Ahmed died of breathing difficulties. But no neighbor came forward for burial due to COVID-19 symptoms. They even objected giving a shovel to dig a grave. In the end, two BCL leaders came forward. They were joined by a policeman, son of the deceased, who recovered from coronavirus recently. Recently such an incident took place at Uttar Bagachatar village of Syedpur UP in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram.
It is learned that Jalal was suffering from fever, cold, and breathing difficulties for a long time. An autorickshaw was called to take him to the hospital when his breathing difficulties increased. But no vehicles came for fear. He was later rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) by an ambulance where he died.
Jalal’s body was brought home. But no neighbor went near to his body. They also objected to giving a shovel for digging graves. In this way, the corpse remains lying for a long time. After receiving the news, two BCL leaders came.
Upazila BCL convener Md. Shaista Khan said no one was coming around. An old man died, but there was no neighbor next for burial. No one even agreed to give a spade. Later, graves were dug with the help of some members of the Chhatra League. “Even there was no one to bath the body. I had to do that too.”
He said he took a consultation from Upazila Health Officer Dr. Nur Uddin Rashed to bath the body and PPE from UNO Milton Roy. Later, Syedpur UP Chhatra League president Mezbah Uddin Rana was called. “Besides, I have already prepared one for the bath who always does this work, however, did not come when informed. Later, I found out his family members did not allow him to come.”
“Forced to do so, I, Rana and the son of the deceased who is a policeman and recovered from the virus recently gave bath to the body. He was later buried after Namaz-e-Janaza,” Md. Shaista Khan added. Upazila Health Officer Dr. Nur Uddin Rashed said it was not yet certain whether the deceased was infected with the coronavirus. Yet no one went to give a bath for fear. However, the role of some people including Chhatra League leader Shaista Khan is commendable.
