The death toll from consuming illicit alcohol in Rangpur has risen to seven within just three days, intensifying public concern over the unchecked operations of illegal liquor traders. Police have confirmed that among the latest fatalities are two consumers and the alleged seller of the rectified spirit, while several others remain critically ill.
According to law enforcement officials, two men died on the night of 13 January in the Shyampur area of Rangpur after consuming alcohol believed to be rectified spirit. The victims were identified as Abdul Malek of East Shibpur village in Gopalpur Union under Badarganj Upazila, and Rashedul Islam of the Shyampur Bandar College Para area in Rangpur Sadar. On Wednesday morning, Zainal Abedin, the alleged spirit seller who had been taken into custody, also died while undergoing treatment.
Senior Jail Superintendent of Rangpur Central Jail, Abhijit Chowdhury, stated that Zainal Abedin was arrested from Shyampur in Badarganj and admitted to the prison as a new inmate on the evening of 13 January. Shortly after his arrival, he reportedly fell seriously ill and was rushed to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he died at around 7:00 am on Wednesday.
The tragedy began late on the night of 11 January in the Shyampurhat area of Badarganj, where several individuals consumed rectified spirit at the residence of a known liquor trader. Three men died on the spot: Alamgir Hossain of Basantapur village, Sohel Mia of East Shibpur village, and Jennad Ali (35) from Sahapur village in Rangpur Sadar. In a related incident, another victim later succumbed while receiving treatment in hospital.
A separate case was reported on 12 January when Manik Chandra Roy (60) fell ill after consuming alcohol at Balar Bazar under the Hajirhat Police Station area. He died the following afternoon at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Hajirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Azad Rahman confirmed that Zainal Abedin had been arrested with ten bottles of rectified spirit. Two separate cases have been filed at Badarganj and Hajirhat police stations. He also noted that several affected individuals were seeking treatment discreetly at various locations, likely due to fear of legal consequences.
Summary of Fatalities
| Date | Location | Number of Deaths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January | Shyampurhat, Badarganj | 3 | Died at scene |
| 12 January | Hajirhat, Rangpur | 1 | Died in hospital |
| 13 January | Shyampur, Badarganj | 2 | Night incident |
| 14 January | Rangpur Central Jail | 1 | Seller died in custody |
| Total | — | 7 | Within three days |
Local residents and civil society members have voiced strong concerns over the persistence of illicit alcohol networks. Many argue that although traders are occasionally arrested, they often secure bail and resume their operations. Allegations have also emerged that such businesses continue even when key figures are incarcerated. Observers stress that unless the entire supply chain of illegal alcohol is dismantled through sustained enforcement and accountability, similar tragedies will continue to claim lives, leaving families and communities devastated.