A nine year old child died after eating “poisonous” watermelon at Kumarkhali of Kushtia on Sunday.
20 other people also fell sick in the incident. They were admitted to Kushtia General Hospital.
The diseased, Smrity, was the daughter of Asgar Ali from Kalua village.
Family members of Smrity said Asgar Ali brought some watermelons from Kumarkhali Bus stand on Sunday morning. His family and neighbours consumed those together and fell ill.
Smrity died while her 11 year old brother, Anik seemed to be in a critical condition at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Senior medical officer of Kushtia General Hospital Dr Salek Masud said probably some chemicals were added with those watermelons which caused toxicity.
However, it may occur for other reasons, he added.
Civil Surgeon of Kushtia Dr MD Mustafizur Rahman said primarily they are suspecting the toxicity occurred from watermelons.
The cause of the death and sickness will be confirmed only after further tests, he added.
Officer-in-charge of Kumarkhali thana Sheikh Lutfor Rakham said the watermelon vendor Rezaul was arrested after the incident. Nineteen watermelons were also seized.