At least 10 people were killed and 11 injured in a stampede in Bangladesh’s Chittagong city on Monday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The incident took place at a post-funeral prayer and feast for former city Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury (pictured above), who died on December 15.
“Mohiuddin’s post-funeral prayer and feast was held at 10 different locations. This incident took place during the programme held at the Rima Community Centre,” said Alauddin Majumdar, assistant sub-inspector of the Chittagong Medical College Hospital Police Outpost. He added that the event been arranged specially for Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists.
The officer in-charge of the police outpost, Johir Uddin, said that of the 11 injured, four were in critical condition.
A witness, Mithun Palit, told the Dhaka Tribune that the stampede occurred when one of the gates to the Rima Community Centre was opened around 1 pm and people tried to enter through it in a hurry.
Chowdhury’s son Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel visited the hospital where the injured are being treated and said the family would bear their medical expenses. He also announced compensation of 1 lakh taka (Rs 78,000) each to the families of the deceased and an additional 5,000 taka (Rs 3,877) each for their cremations.
Awami League party lawmaker ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury also said the government will give 1 lakh taka as compensation.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!