At least 33 people, including women and children, were bitten by a dog suspected to be rabid at different places in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia within about an hour on Wednesday evening.

The incident took place between around 6:30pm and 7:30pm in the Hall Bazar, Amtala, Indra Mor and Haytapara areas.

Pratyay Biswas, an assistant surgeon at Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, said at least 33 people were taken to the hospital with dog-bite injuries.

He said many of the victims sustained serious wounds. Of them, 27 received anti-rabies vaccines, while the remaining six were advised to visit the hospital on Thursday morning.

Locals said a black dog, suspected to be rabid, was seen roaming through different parts of the town and biting people.

The dog was reportedly seen in Amtala, Hall Bazar and Indra Mor before heading towards the Haytapara area of Charaikol in Nandolalpur union.

Md Roknuzzaman, one of the victims, said the dog suddenly bit him on the leg and ran away while he was standing in the Hall Bazar area.

He was later taken to the health complex, where doctors administered an anti-rabies vaccine.

Around 8pm, Afzal Hossain, an elderly resident of Haytapara area, also went to the hospital after being bitten by the dog.

Doctors advised him to return to the hospital the following day.

Acting Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Navid Sarowar said over the phone that many people received treatment at the hospital after being bitten by the dog.

“Efforts are underway to identify the dog and take necessary measures,” he said.