A bizarre incident has created sensation in Babuganj upazila of Barishal after a man, declared dead following a snakebite, was not buried as soon as possible, but rather his body was kept in state on the front yard of their home, as family members attempted to “revive” him through ritual healing.

The deceased, HM Sayem (27), son of Syed Hawlader of Kalikapur village under Chandpasha union, was a covered van driver by profession.

According to family and local sources, Sayem was bitten by a snake at the Bhanga Buniya canal area while returning home on foot after parking his vehicle on Thursday night. He managed to reach home but later fell critically ill due to venom effects.

He was rushed to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital around midnight, where doctors administered antivenom twice. However, he did not regain consciousness and was declared dead on Friday, hospital sources said.

Instead of burying him, family members kept the body in the courtyard and called in snake charmers and traditional healers, hoping for what they believed could be a miraculous revival. The incident drew crowds of curious onlookers, creating tension and concern in the area.

Relatives said they have not given up hope, believing that divine intervention could still bring him back.

Barishal Civil Surgeon Dr Monjur A. Elahi said the victim was likely bitten by a highly venomous snake. He added that antivenom administered at hospital remains the only effective treatment for snakebite cases, and there is no scientific basis for ritual healing practices.