, Jan. 31 -- Cracks running across the walls, rainwater seeping through the roof and chunks of plaster peeling away have become part of daily life at the Sylhet Leprosy Hospital, raising growing concerns about patient safety and the quality of care.

The 135-year-old hospital, one of only three specialised government leprosy facilities in Bangladesh, is now in a visibly dilapidated state.

Visits to the hospital showed that toilets without doors, dirty bathrooms and broken medical equipment have left patients and staff worried that treatment inside the building has become increasingly risky.

Established in 1890, the hospital sits on 4.72 acres of land and has an official capacity of 80 beds, though only 48 are currently usable.

Accordin...