Sundarbans Correspondent 

The number of stray dog attacks has increased in Sharankhola, Bagerhat, located in the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans. Over the past ten days, 50 people have been injured by dog bites and received treatment at the hospital. However, the hospital has run out of rabies vaccines required for dog bite treatment.

Reports of stray dog infestations are coming in from different rural areas of the upazila. People are walking the streets in fear. Some residents are even unable to attend early morning (Fajr) prayers at the mosque. Packs of dogs are chasing and attacking locals. Nearly every day, victims of dog bites are coming to the hospital. Unfortunately, the Sharankhola Upazila Health Complex lacks a sufficient supply of the necessary rabies vaccine. As a result, victims are being forced to buy vaccines at high prices from the market.

Residents such as Khalilur Rahman from Rajapur village, Mostafa Hawlader from Khontakata, and Bimal Chandra from Dhanasagar reported that stray dogs have made it unsafe to move around in markets and villages. They added that, due to the unavailability of rabies vaccines at the hospital, they are having to buy them from outside sources.

Dr. Ashfaq Hossain, the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Sharankhola Upazila Health Complex said, almost daily, people are coming to the hospital after being bitten by dogs. In the past ten days, over 50 people have received initial emergency treatment at the hospital for dog bites. Many others are seeking treatment elsewhere. The health complex does not currently have the critically needed rabies vaccine injections. A request for vaccine supplies has been submitted to higher authorities, but none have arrived yet.

Sharankhola UNO  Sudipta Kumar Singh said,  he is aware of the stray dog problem in the upazila. Discussions will be held with the higher authorities to take necessary steps for ensuring public safety.