The death toll from suspected toxic liquor consumption in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur has risen to five with the death of another man on Wednesday night.
The latest victim was identified as Dula Mia, 45, son of Akbar Ali of Kumorpur Kantibari village in Balarhat union.
He died at his home while undergoing treatment, said Mahidul Islam, a member of Ward No. 2 of Balarhat Union Parishad.
Locals said several people consumed liquor at Balarhat Bazar on Sunday night (31 May) and fell ill after returning home.
Among them, Sattar Mia, 60, of Satventi Enayetpur village in Kafrikhal union, died at his home the same night.
On Monday (1 June), Huzur Ali, 45, of Buzruk Jhalai village and Saju Mia, 55, of the Beltola area in Sangrampur, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Ershad Ali, 40, of the Pakarmatha area in Buzruk Jhalai village, died on Tuesday morning.
Following the deaths, Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Parvez visited the area.
Mithapukur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ershad Sikder said an investigation into the incident is underway.
The bodies have been handed over to the families following legal procedures. Further action will be taken after receiving the investigation report, he said.
Deputy Director of the District Narcotics Control Department Md Abu Zafar said five people had died after consuming suspected toxic liquor.
He said police have filed a case and an investigation is ongoing. The exact cause of the deaths will be known after the report is received.
He also said the department has launched an awareness campaign in the area, distributing leaflets and making public announcements through loudspeakers to warn people about the dangers of consuming illicit liquor.
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