MYMENSINGH: At least 23 people were killed and four others injured in stampede while they were collecting Zakat clothes in Nurani Jorda factory in the district early Friday.
 
The police detained Nurani Jorda factory owner M Shamim and seven officials of the factory from the spot.

The deceased, bodies of whom were kept at morgue, were identified as Fatema Begum, 42, Sufia Begum, 60, Khodeza Begum, 50, Siddique, 12, Lal Mia, 5, Chamila, 40, Shamima, 50, Fazila Begum, 75, Hazera Begum, 40, Meghna Basak, 35 and Marium Begum, 50.

However, identity of others could not be known yet.

The injured -- Hena Begum, 55, Rat, 20, Mayna, 70 and Rassel, 25—were admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Mymensingh deputy commissioner Mostakin Billah Faruqui and Police Super Moinul Haque confirmed the deaths of 23 people to banglanews.

Van driver Dulal, witness of the incident, told banglanews that Nurani Jorda factory owner M Shamim distributes Zakat clothes every year. After Sehri on Friday, Jorda factory gate is opened for distribution of Zakat.

 At the time, thousands of men and women rushed into the gate to get zakat items. Due to Due to heavy pressure of the mob, more than 100 fell down and were trampled, he added.

Kotwali Thana Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Islam confirmed the matter to banglanews.

Additional police have been deployed to keep the law and order under control in the area, he added.

The people involved in the incident will be brought under law after investigation.

On the other hand, the government has formed two probe committees to investigate the incident, asking those to submit probe report in next five working days.

BDST: 1217 HRS, JULY 10, 2015
RS