At least four people, including women, have died within a week after being bitten by a suspected rabid dog in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district, triggering panic among residents.
The latest victim, Afruza Begum, 40, died early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, local authorities confirmed.
The attacks took place between 9:30am and 11:00am on April 22 in Bajra Kanchibari and nearby Kanchibari village under Sundarganj upazila, where the dog reportedly bit around 13 people, including women and children, in a short span of time.
The deceased were identified as Afruza Begum, wife of Matiar Rahman; Nand Rani, 55, wife of Khoka Ram; Phulu Mia, 52, son of Naibuddin; and Ratneshwar Barman, 42, a carpenter from a neighbouring union.
Nine others remain injured, including women and children. One of them, Sultana Begum, is said to be in critical condition.
According to local residents, most victims suffered severe facial and neck injuries. Family members said the injured received rabies vaccinations from hospitals and private pharmacies, yet several later developed serious complications.
The deaths have caused widespread fear in the area, with many residents questioning how multiple victims died despite reportedly receiving vaccines on time.
Ward member Tajrul Islam said all but one of the victims had taken vaccines according to medical advice. “People in the village are terrified after seeing repeated deaths,” he said, urging the government to support affected families.
Gaibandha Civil Surgeon Dr Rafiquzzaman said none of the victims sought treatment at Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex, where anti-rabies vaccines were available.
He added that controlling stray or rabid dogs falls under the responsibility of the livestock department.
Meanwhile, local rights activists and residents have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and the medical treatment provided to the victims.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
