Ex-RU teacher dies at RMCH Covid-19 unit

Former professor emeritus of Rajshahi University (RU) M Fakhrul Islam passed away at the Covid-19 unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) yesterday.  He was 82.

He was taken to the hospital yesterday morning, when he had severe breathing problems and died at 1:30pm, Saiful Ferdous, the hospital's deputy director, told reporters.

Prof Fakhrul was founder chairperson of RU's Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, said Prof Ibrahim Hossain Mondal, the department's present chairperson. He had served as dean of science faculty and syndicate member of the university.

He was made professor emeritus after his retirement 15 years ago, but he resigned from the status seven years ago.

He left behind his wife and two sons.

His son Prof Momtazul Islam of Islamic University said Prof Fakhrul had been suffering from fever since Monday, and gradually developed coughs and breathing problems.

"We can't imagine that he fell victim to Covid-19, as he stayed home most of the time," he said.

"At the hospital, we pleaded with doctors to admit him at the ICU, but they said no bed was vacant. He was given oxygen support but that didn't work," he added.

Quantum Foundation arranged his burial at Hatimkhan graveyard, following due health procedures, said Kaiser Parvez Mehedi, the foundation's Rajshahi divisional director.

Meanwhile, another person, Ram Pada (60), died with Covid-19 symptoms at the hospital in the early hours. He was admitted there on Wednesday afternoon.

Samples were collected from both for testing, said a hospital official.