MYMENSINGH: At least 27 were trampled to death and four others injured beneath a crush of people making their way to collect zakat clothes at Nurani Jorda factory in the district sadar early Friday.
Of the deceased, bodies of whom were kept at Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) morgue, were identified as Fatema Begum, 42, Sufia Begum, 60, Khodeza Begum, 50, Siddique, 12, Lamia, 5, Sakhina, 40, Shamima alias Samu Begum, 60, Meghla Basak, 35, Fazila Begum, 75, Hazera Begum, 40, Marium Begum, 50, Sudha Rani, 55, Rina, 55, Jamena, 60, Halima, 45, Nazma, 48, Momtaz Begum, 40, Fatema Begum, 52, Rubi Akhter, 13, Nazma Akhter, 60, Iti Begum, 12, Anguri Begum, 45, Sahran Begum, 40 and Rejia Akhter 50.
Mymensingh deputy commissioner Mostakim Billah Faruqui and Police Super Moinul Haque confirmed the matter to banglanews Friday noon.
Mostakim Billah Faruqui also said they handed over 25 bodies to the families.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner announced to provide an aid of Tk 10,000 to each victim’s family.
Religious Affairs minister Motiur Rahman also announced to provide an aid of Tk 10,000 to the family of each victim.
The injured -- Hena Begum, 55, Rat, 20, Mayna, 70 and Rassel, 25 -- were admitted to MMCH, they added.
The police, however, detained Nurani Jorda factory owner M Shamim and seven officials of the factory from the spot in this regard.
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 heavy pressure of people, more than 100 fell down and were trampled, he added.
Kotwali Thana Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Islam said they deployed additional police to keep the law and order situation under control, he added.
The people involved in the incident will be brought under law after investigation, he added.
On the other hand, the government has formed two probe committees to investigate the incident, asking those to submit probe report within next five working days.
BDST: 1657 HRS, JULY 10, 2015
SR
** 23 killed in stampede while collecting Zakat
