Three Dead, 18 Hospitalized After Drinking Alcohol to Celebrate ‘First Eid of Freedom’

Local Correspondent

Three people died, and 18 others were hospitalized after consuming alcohol to celebrate what they called the “first Eid of freedom from Awami fascism” in Satkhira.

The deaths occurred on Wednesday morning at Ashashuni Health Complex and two hospitals in Satkhira.

On Eid night, a group gathered at the cremation ground near Tetulia Bazaar in Kadakati Union, Ashashuni Upazila, to drink alcohol. Those undergoing treatment said they collected money to organize the drinking session to mark the “first Eid of new independence.”

The deceased were identified as Nazmul Hossain (35), son of Farhad Gazi from Tetulia village; Zakir Hossain Titu (40), son of Jafar Sardar; and Imran Hossain (25), son of Kuddus Sardar from Mokamkhali village. Zakir Hossain was the convener of the Ashashuni Upazila’s Kadakati Union Volunteer Team.

Local shopkeeper Ashraf said, “I heard from some youths that they collected money to celebrate the first Eid free from Awami fascism by drinking alcohol. Around 15-20 people were drinking near Tetulia Bazaar. Later, they all fell sick.”

Upon learning of the incident, locals took the affected individuals to Ashashuni Health Complex, Satkhira Sadar Hospital, and Satkhira Medical College Hospital early Tuesday morning. Three people died while receiving treatment on Wednesday morning, and 7-8 others remain in critical condition.

Jahangir Hossain Tuku, general secretary of BNP’s Kadakati Union unit, said, “Zakir and Nazmul died after consuming some toxic drink.”

Ashashuni Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Noman Hossain said, “By Wednesday noon, we confirmed three deaths. Police have been sent to the scene.”

Citing locals, the OC added that the victims died from alcohol consumption, and 18 others remain hospitalized.