Teen dies in stampede while collecting Eid meat

A teenage boy has died after being crushed in a stampede while he was collecting the meat of sacrificial animals from a house in Dhaka's South Keraniganj.

The deceased, 13-year-old Md Akash, was the son of Thandu Mia, a rickshaw driver.

Several others were reported injured in the incident that took place in the Chunkutia neighbourhood on Tuesday.

South Keraniganj Police Station OC Md Shah Zaman confirmed the death.

He said: “I've heard about the incident. But no one has lodged a complaint with the police yet."

According to locals, the owner of the house, Abul Mia, sacrificed nine cows on Tuesday to mark Eid-ul-Azha. 

A large crowd had gathered outside his home in the afternoon and the chaos ensued when the gate was opened, leaving several people critically injured.

Akash was rushed to Dhaka's Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital along with a few others, but he died shortly afterwards.

Akash's body has been handed over to his family, police said.

"On the third day of Eid, we sacrificed nine large cows for the poor and needy. Thousands of people gathered outside the house to collect the meat," said Riyal Mia, son of Abul Mia.

"A big scramble began once the main gate was opened. One person was trampled to death. Several others, including children, were injured,” he added.

Police will launch a probe into the incident and take necessary measures if a complaint is lodged, said Shah Zaman.