At Least 23 Die in Stampede at Clothes Giveaway in Bangladesh

At least 23 people were killed in a stampede when hundreds of people stormed a charity event, where free clothes were being distributed.

Six people including the businessman behind the offer marking the Muslim month of Ramadan have been arrested, suspected of failing to ensure security. “Some of our employees had shouted at the zakat seekers just to control the situation but we did not even misbehave with the poor people”, said Shamim’s son Mohammad Hedayet, a director of the factory. Television footage showing relatives rushing through the entrance and corridors, cradling the lifeless bodies of their loved ones in their arms.

Local reports have it that more than 1,500 gathered outside the gates of a tobacco factory before dawn after receiving word that the owners would be handing out free clothes.

Stampedes are common at religious places and during charity handouts in South Asian countries.

The doctors at the hospital said that the death toll could rise as many are critically injured.

“I don’t know what will happen to my kids”, Robiul added before bursting into tears.

District Governor Mustakim Billah told reporters that, “we are taking Legal action will be against them”.

Three investigation committees have been formed to probe into the incident.

As stated by BBC, wealthy Bangladeshi families often donate their clothes to the poor during the Holy month of Ramadan.

A doctor at the hospital where the dead and injured were taken said all the victims were women and children.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker of the parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury expressed their sympathy to the victims’ family members.

But the handouts have sparked several deadly stampedes over the years.

There was “huge pressure” from the back of the crowd as people in front tried to open the gate, Haque said.

About 40 people were killed in a similar stampede at a garment factory in the northern city Tangail in 2002.