Bullet-hit newborn improving: DMCH

Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) authorities today hoped that the newborn from Magura, who was hit with bullet in her mother's womb, will survive.

“She has been suffering from jaundice and fluid retention (oedema) in her body. Now her condition has improved,” said Brig Gen Md Mizanur Rahman, director of the hospital.

He was updating reporters on her condition at the DMCH this afternoon.

Suraiya’s condition is improving now, he said, adding: “We hope we will be able to save her life.”

“The child is yet not fully out of danger. But her overall condition has improved,” said the DMCH director.

Asked if she is needed to be taken abroad for better treatment, Brig Gen Mizanur said, “The treatment at out neonatal unit is of international standard. We don’t think she should be sent abroad now.”

Meanwhile, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, while visiting the baby and her mother, assured of taking actions against those involved in the incident.

“I have discussed the issue with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning,” he said, adding that political affiliation cannot save the offenders.

“None will be spared. No offender is above the law,” Inu quoted the PM as saying.

Responding to a query, he said security for the victim’s family has been tightened in the hospital.

“We will beef up the security for them outside the hospital, if needed,” he said.

The baby was injured when her eight-month pregnant mother was shot in the abdomen during an attack by a Jubo League faction on another faction on July 23 in Magura, that left one killed and another person injured.

The bullet went through the unborn baby's right shoulder and damaged her right eye. She survived a two-hour Caesarean on her 35-year-old mother, Nazma Khatun at Magura General Hospital.

The baby was sent to the DMCH on July 26 without her mother, as her situation was critical.

As advised by doctors, the mother was brought to the DMCH from the Magura hospital to nurse her baby.