Sources in blood transfusion department said at least 30 to 40 bags of blood are required in the hospital every day. But the blood bank is almost empty for the last few weeks.

When needed only patients' relatives having proper blood group donate blood.

On inquiry, sources in Sandhani, Medicine Club, Red Crescent Society and other blood supplying organisations said they are also running short of stocks. In this circumstance, many people turn to donors who possess cards.

About 30 to 35 blood donors come to the Red Crescent blood centre every day. The centre can supply only 8 to 10 bags of blood now.

Pallab, a third year medical student working at the Red Crescent blood centre said, supply of blood fell drastically in June and current month as the number of donors decreased in the last few weeks.

SBMCH medicine club supplies blood for children for free. Naim, a medical student who was on duty at the club said they also extend supply for elder patients if only there is enough stock of blood.

The SBMCH blood transfusion department said it suspended blood supply since April.

Associate Prof Dr Brindabon Biswas, also in-charge of the centre said previously they bought blood from donors and sold them to patients. But the practice has been stopped following a government order. Now there is no alternative to collect only blood from relatives of the patients, he said.

Inquired at different wards of the hospital it was learnt that blood seekers are now trapped in hands of brokers because they sometimes buy a bag of blood for Tk 2,000.

Joynal Mridha, husband of Nilufar Begum, a pregnant woman badly needed blood for his wife two days ago. A broker demanded Tk 2,500 for a bag of blood, he said.

'We are now compelled to buy 'unsafe' blood from brokers as we have no other alternative,' said a relative of a patient.

On contact, SBMCH director Dr Moniruzzaman acknowledged the fact saying they now have no other source of blood except for the relatives of patients.