Seven Die in Rangpur Alcohol Tragedy

The death toll from consuming illicit alcohol in Rangpur has risen to seven within three days, intensifying public concern over the unchecked spread of illegal liquor trading and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Among the latest fatalities is the alleged seller of the alcohol, highlighting the severity and reach of the poisoning incident. Police have also confirmed that several others remain critically ill, with some reportedly seeking treatment privately to avoid legal scrutiny.

According to police officials, two additional deaths were recorded late on 13 January following alcohol consumption in the Shyampur area of Rangpur. The victims were identified as Abdul Malek, son of Mahir Uddin from Purba Shibpur village under Gopalpur Union in Badarganj upazila, and Rashedul Islam, son of the late Mofazzal Hossain from the Shyampur Bandar College Para area of Rangpur Sadar. On Wednesday morning, the alcohol vendor, Jayanal Abedin, who had been arrested in connection with the case, also died while in custody.

Senior Jail Superintendent of Rangpur Central Jail, Abhijit Chowdhury, stated that Jayanal Abedin had been brought to the jail on the evening of 13 January as a new inmate after being arrested in Shyampur, Badarganj. Shortly after his admission, he fell seriously ill. He was rushed to the Critical Care Unit of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he died at around 7:00 am the following morning despite medical intervention.

The tragedy began on the night of 11 January, when several individuals reportedly consumed rectified spirit at the house of a known drug trader in the Shyampurhat area of Badarganj. Three men—Alamgir Hossain from Basantapur village, Sohel Mia from Purba Shibpur village, and Jannad Ali (35) from Sahapur village—died at the scene. In a separate but similar incident, another individual later died in hospital after consuming alcohol believed to be from an illegal source.

Meanwhile, Rangpur Metropolitan Police confirmed another death linked to alcohol consumption in the city. Officer-in-Charge of Hajirhat Police Station, Azad Rahman, said that on the evening of 12 January, Manik Chandra Roy (60) fell ill after drinking alcohol at Balar Bazar under Hajirhat police jurisdiction. He died the following afternoon while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Police have filed two separate cases at Badarganj and Hajirhat police stations. Jayanal Abedin had been arrested with ten bottles of rectified spirit in his possession. Authorities also suspect that more victims may be receiving treatment discreetly to avoid exposure.

Summary of Alcohol-Related Deaths in Rangpur

Local residents and civil society members have voiced growing frustration, arguing that such tragedies are recurring nationwide. They allege that although alcohol traders are occasionally arrested, many secure bail and quickly resume operations. Some even continue to run their networks while incarcerated. Community leaders insist that unless the illegal alcohol supply chain is dismantled decisively and permanently, such preventable loss of life will continue, placing families and communities at ongoing risk.