At least five people have died in Khulna city due to suspected alcohol poisoning, police said on Saturday (July 19).
The incident took place at a local roadside rice hotel near Islamiya College intersection in the Boyra Pujakhola area under Sonadanga Model Police Station, where six individuals reportedly consumed liquor on Saturday.
The deceased have been identified as Sajjad Mallik of Rayermohol Mallikbari, Babu of Boyra Sherer Bazar Mor, Sabu of Boyra Madhyapara, Goutam Kumar Biswas of Boyra Junction Road, and Tota from the area behind Public College. Among them, Sabu and Babu were brothers-in-law.
Sonadanga Model Police Station`s Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Mizanur Rahman confirmed the deaths, saying, “All five victims fell ill after consuming alcohol and later died. Another person named Sonu is undergoing treatment at Ad-din Hospital.”
Sub-Inspector Abdul Hai added that the families of the deceased have taken the bodies home. Sonu, a resident of Daspara in Khalishpur, remains in critical condition and has been placed on life support at Khulna Specialized Hospital.
Khulna has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. On October 8, 2019, eight people reportedly died after consuming toxic alcohol during the celebration of Bijoya Dashami. On May 4, 2020, two others died after drinking suspected spurious liquor, while on February 7, 2021, a 35-year-old man named Md. Sabuj also died from alcohol poisoning while receiving treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact source and nature of the alcohol consumed.
