Three people die in Rangpur after consuming toxic alcohol

Rangpur, Bangladesh – 12 January 2026: Three people have tragically died after consuming toxic alcohol in Badarganj, Rangpur, while two others remain critically ill in hospital. The incidents, confirmed on Monday afternoon by Badarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Hasan Zahid Sarkar and Rangpur Sadar Kotwali OC Abdur Gafur, have sent shockwaves through the local community.

The deceased are:

Alamgir, 40, son of Amirul Islam, from Basantpur, Gopalpur Union, Badarganj;

Sohel, 30, son of the late Rafiqul Islam, from Shibpur, Badarganj; and

Jindar Ali, son of Saidar Rahman, from Shyampur Sahapara, Chandanpath Union, Rangpur Sadar.

Meanwhile, two other individuals are receiving medical treatment in critical condition: Khairul Islam, son of Nurul Islam from Kishamat Basantpur, Gopalpur Union, Badarganj, and Anichul Islam, a tailor from Shyampur Bandar, Rangpur Sadar.

According to police reports, the victims had purchased rectified spirit—a highly toxic form of alcohol—from local drug trader Zainul Abedin on 11 January in Noya Para, Kishamat Basantpur. Five people consumed the spirit; two died at home, and one succumbed to its effects after being taken to the Badarganj Upazila Health Complex. The remaining two are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.

Police swiftly responded to the incident, arresting the trader Zainul Abedin and seizing ten bottles of rectified spirit from his possession. OC Md. Hasan Zahid Sarkar of Badarganj Police Station confirmed that a criminal investigation is ongoing, and stressed the dangers of illicitly sold alcohol in the region.

OC Abdur Gafur of Rangpur Sadar Kotwali added that Jindar Ali had fallen critically ill at home and later passed away at his residence due to the toxic alcohol. Authorities have urged local residents to avoid unregulated alcohol and report suspicious activities.

Summary of the Victims and Hospitalised Patients:

This tragic episode highlights the ongoing risks associated with illicit alcohol consumption in northern Bangladesh. Police have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and pledged to intensify operations against illegal alcohol distribution.