Over 1,000 Fall Ill After Kulkhani Meal in Saghata, Gaibandha; 39 in Hospital

More than a thousand people, including women, men and children, have fallen ill after eating food at a kulkhani ceremony in Kalpani village of Bonarpara union in Saghata upazila, Gaibandha. Of those affected, 105 people received treatment at Saghata Upazila Health Complex, where 39 patients are currently admitted.

The incident took place on Tuesday (10 November) in Kalpani village, but it became known on Friday morning (13 November). Concern spread in the area as news emerged that a large number of people had fallen ill after eating at the same event. Md Abtab Ali, member of Ward No. 6 of Bonarpara Union Parishad, confirmed the matter on Friday night.

According to local residents and health complex sources, Jahidul Islam (38), son of Abdul Jalil alias Bablu Bepari of Kalpani village, died on 6 November while under treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. A kulkhani was arranged at the home on Tuesday morning for the salvation of his soul, attended by about 1,200 people of different ages, including villagers and relatives.

The programme began around 7am, and within a few hours of eating, many guests began suffering stomach pain, vomiting and loose motions. The number of sick people rose by the afternoon. Alongside those who attended, many also fell ill after eating food sent home to relatives and acquaintances.

The affected were later taken to Saghata Upazila Health Complex and to various government and private hospitals including in Bogura. Many whose condition was comparatively better are receiving treatment at home, while others are being treated at hospitals in Bogura and elsewhere.

Kalpani resident Monir Hossain said he had sent curry from the kulkhani to a friend's home in Bogura. Everyone in the friend's family fell ill after eating it, and they are now admitted to Bogura Medical College Hospital.

UP member Md Abtab Ali said food had been arranged for about 1,200 people at the kulkhani. He claimed almost everyone who ate the event's food fell ill, that many of the affected are being treated at hospitals in Gaibandha and Bogura, and that several are still admitted.

Abtab Ali added that he himself fell ill after eating at the event and is receiving treatment at home on his personal doctor's advice. Saying he felt somewhat better today, he said there is no house in the village without a sick patient.

Dr Md Iltutmish Akanda, health and family planning officer of Saghata Upazila Health Complex, said 105 people who fell ill after eating at the same event were treated at the health complex from Tuesday afternoon to Friday evening. Four more were admitted on Friday with the same symptoms. Currently 39 patients are admitted, and their physical condition is good, he said.

Dr Iltutmish Akanda added that, as many people showed vomiting and loose-motion symptoms after eating at the same event, food poisoning is being preliminarily suspected.