Shariatpur patient dies after local syndicate delays ambulance transfer

A similar incident occurred last August when a Dhaka-bound ambulance carrying a newborn was stopped in Shariatpur, and the baby died

A critically ill patient has died on the way to Dhaka after his ambulance was allegedly blocked for over 90 minutes by a group linked to local ambulance services in Shariatpur.

The family of 60-year-old Jamshed Ali Dhali from Damudya’s Kutubpur said they hired a Dhaka-based ambulance on Tuesday after disputes over fares with a local service.

But on the way, the vehicle was twice stopped at Kotapara and Jamtala by men demanding to know why a “local ambulance” was not used.

Relatives and the driver said they were assaulted during the confrontation.

The patient died before reaching the National Institute of Neurosciences in Dhaka.

Doctor Rashed Ahmed of Shariatpur Sadar Hospital confirmed Jamshed had been admitted with a stroke and referred to Dhaka for advanced care.

Local ambulance owner Sumon Khan denied the allegations, saying he only asked why a Dhaka ambulance was carrying a patient from Shariatpur. “I did not block any vehicle. The claims are false,” he said.

Palong Model Police Station chief (OC) Shah Alam said they received a verbal complaint but could not take legal action without a written one.

“If they file formally, we will proceed,” he added.

This is not the first such incident.

In August last year, a Dhaka-bound ambulance carrying a newborn was stopped in Shariatpur, and the baby died.

A case was later filed against several local ambulance operators.