At least 24 people have been killed and over 50 injured in a stampede in Mymensingh town during the distribution of Zakat clothes.
The incident took place at Nurani Jorda Factory in Mymensingh town around 5am Friday.
Additional Police Super Abu Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune: "So far 24 have been killed. The death toll may rise."
Of the deceased, 16 are identified as Shamima Begum, 60, her daughter Sakhina, 35, granddaughter Lamiya, 6, Siddik, 11, Anguri Begum, 45, Meghna Bosak, 40, Khodeja Begum, 60, Fazila Begum, 75, Fatema Begum, 60, Nazma Begum, 50, Jahura Begum, 40, Hamida Begum, 45, Sufia Begum, 35, Rezia Begum, 55, Sudharani Sarkar, 55, and Rupali, 35.
Witnesses said factory owner Md Shamin distributes Zakat clothes among the deprived people every year. This year, the main gate of the factory had been opened after sehri for the distribution.
They said the incident took place when the huge crowd assembled there tried to enter the gate for Zakat.
Kotwali model police station Assistant Police Super (ASP) MD Abdur Rashid said: “Police have detained six people, including factory owner Shamin and his son to bring the situation under control.”
He said additional police force have been deployed in the area to avoid further untoward situations.
The injured were admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
The ASI said the number of other bodies recovered from the spot could not be ascertained yet.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in the stampede.
