Two individuals lost their lives due to the consumption of harmful alcohol in Muradnagar.
In the early hours of today, a tragic incident occurred in the Bakhrabad area of Ramchandrapur North union, Cumilla's Muradnagar Upazila. Two residents of South Bakhrabad village, Tapan Chandra Sarker (50) and Palash Chakraborty (38), lost their lives after consuming spirit-based alcohol.
Tapan Chandra Sarker and Palash Chakraborty were taken to the Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex by their family members, but unfortunately, Tapan Chandra Sarker passed away on the way to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. Palash Chakraborty was pronounced dead upon arrival at the health complex.
The confirmation of the incident was made by Bangra Bazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahfuzur Rahman, who reported that the fatalities were caused by consuming spirit-based alcohol from a homeopathy shop. Palash's body has been recovered, and it will be sent to the Cumilla Medical College Hospital's morgue for autopsy on Thursday. Tapan Chandra Sarker's body had already been cremated before the police arrived.
The recovery of Palash's body was made by Bangra Bazar Police. The incident occurred on 13 August, and it serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with the consumption of illicit or unregulated alcohol.
In Bangladesh, the purchase and consumption of spirit-based alcohol are strictly regulated under laws that effectively prohibit unrestricted alcohol use. Individuals must obtain a special government-issued drinking permit, which is only granted for medical grounds, verified by a government doctor certifying a "medical condition" that requires alcohol consumption. This permit allows possession and consumption of a limited quantity—up to seven units per month, where one unit equals about 1.14 liters of spirit-based liquor.
Alcohol sales are further controlled by limitations on import and distribution. Foreign liquor importers and sellers are restricted to import up to 40% of their total liquor demand, with the remaining 60% supplied by local manufacturers. Only licensed vendors, bars, and social clubs with proper authorization can legally sell alcohol, and carrying alcohol in public requires a special pass from the Department of Narcotics Control.
Consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited for the Muslim majority and only allowed under licenses for non-Muslims or on medical grounds. Moreover, alcohol use is illegal during Ramadan, and public consumption is banned. This regulatory environment matches Bangladesh’s broader restrictive stance on alcohol, where permits are required, and violations can lead to legal consequences.
However, safety measures are undermined by these restrictions, as illicit or unregulated alcohol can circulate, leading to poisoning incidents such as the toxic alcohol deaths reported in Muradnagar. The tight control and limited legal access have sometimes pushed consumers toward unsafe alternatives, highlighting risks associated with illegal or counterfeit alcohol rather than officially regulated products.
In light of this tragic incident, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adhering to the regulations regarding alcohol consumption and to be cautious when purchasing and consuming any alcoholic beverages. Ensuring safe and regulated alcohol consumption is essential for the prevention of such tragic incidents in the future.
- The tragic incident in Muradnagar Upazila of Cumilla was caused by consuming spirit-based alcohol, which is strictly regulated under Bangladeshi laws for medical grounds only.
- A new focus on mental health, nutrition, and fitness and exercise is essential to promote overall health and wellness, especially in light of the dangers associated with the consumption of illicit or unregulated alcohol.
- General news reports often cover crime and justice issues, such as the death of Tapan Chandra Sarker and Palash Chakraborty due to consuming unregulated alcohol in the Muradnagar area.
- In the realm of health and wellness, adhering to regulations regarding alcohol consumption is crucial for preventing tragedies like the one in Muradnagar, and it is important to ensure safe and regulated alcohol consumption to avoid such incidents in the future.
