Rangpur, 14 January — Tragedy has struck the northern district of Rangpur, where six individuals have died over the past three days after consuming rectified spirit, a high-strength alcoholic beverage. Two more victims remain hospitalised and are currently receiving treatment, heightening concern in the local community.
On Tuesday night, the bodies of Abdul Malek, son of Mohir Uddin from Purbo Shibpur village, Gopalpur Union, Badarganj, and Rashedul Islam, son of the late Mofazzal Hossain from Shyampur Bandar College Para, Rangpur Sadar, were recovered and sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
According to the Hajirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Azad Rahman, the deaths follow an earlier incident on Sunday night, when several people reportedly consumed rectified spirit at the residence of a local liquor dealer in Shyampurhat, Badarganj. Three individuals died immediately, while others fell ill and were treated in various healthcare facilities.
List of Victims:
| Date of Death | Name | Age | Address | Father’s Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 11 Jan | Alamgir Hossain | Unknown | Basantapur, Gopalpur, Badarganj | Amirul Islam |
| Sunday, 11 Jan | Sohel Mia | Unknown | Purbo Shibpur, Gopalpur, Badarganj | Rafiqul Islam |
| Sunday, 11 Jan | Jannat Ali | Unknown | Sahapur, Sadar, Rangpur | Unknown |
| Monday, 12 Jan | Manik Chandra Roy | 60 | Shiber Bazar, Paschim Hindupara, Sadar, Rangpur | Anil Chandra Roy |
| Tuesday, 13 Jan | Abdul Malek | Unknown | Purbo Shibpur, Gopalpur, Badarganj | Mohir Uddin |
| Tuesday, 13 Jan | Rashedul Islam | Unknown | Shyampur Bandar College Para, Sadar, Rangpur | Mofazzal Hossain |
Police have arrested a suspect identified as Zainul Abedin, who reportedly sold both illicit country-made liquor and rectified spirit. Local sources say that the deceased had purchased the alcohol from his residence before falling seriously ill and ultimately succumbing.
Superintendent of Police for Rangpur district, Marufat Hossain, stated that traffickers had been producing the spurious spirit using medicines obtained from a homeopathic chamber. Authorities have already conducted a raid at one such clinic in the city, uncovering significant evidence. Law enforcement agencies continue their investigations.
Separate cases have been filed at Badarganj and Hajirhat police stations, confirmed by OCs Hasan Zahid Sarkar and Abdul Gafur of the respective stations.
Residents have urged the community to remain vigilant, and local administration has pledged to conduct thorough investigations and implement awareness campaigns to prevent further tragedies