‘Even if I am no longer alive, ensure justice for my Ahnaf,’ mother tells court

The judge tells the grieving mother to “stay strong”, assuring her that justice will be served

The testimony of Khairun Nahar, the mother of 10-year-old Ahnaf Tahmin Ayham, has concluded in the case involving the child’s death, allegedly caused by medical negligence during a circumcision.

Calling for “exemplary punishment” for those responsible, she told the court: "Even if I am no longer alive, please ensure justice for my Ahnaf."

She gave her testimony on Sunday at the court of Dhaka’s Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Tawhida Akhter.

In response to her distress, Tawhida said: "You are becoming emotional; stay mentally strong. If Allah wills, justice will be served."

The trial involves three doctors from the JS Diagnostic and Medical Checkup Centre in Malibagh: SM Muktadir, Mahabub Morshed, and Ishtiaq Azad. Charges were framed against them in March last year.

During cross-examination on Sunday, defence lawyers claimed that the child’s relatives allegedly obstructed medical treatment and created a "mob" while he was in the ICU.

They argued the death was an "accident" and alleged that chemical reports were fabricated.

Khairun dismissed these claims, saying: "My child is dead. Is it possible to give false testimony in this state?"

According to the case filed in February 2024, Ahnaf was taken to Dr Muktadir for circumcision. Despite being told the procedure would take 20 minutes, an hour passed without updates.

When Ahnaf's father Fakhrul Alam forced his way into the operating theatre, he found his son unconscious with blood coming from his nose and mouth while doctors performed chest compressions.

The family alleges that the doctors delayed informing them of the death for two hours and ignored pleas to transfer him to another hospital.

Noting that the most "emotional witness" of the case had finished her testimony, the court scheduled the next hearing for Mar 5.