Two die after consuming toxic substance in Savar

Two people have died in Savar apparently from toxic poisoning after consuming herbal medicines locally known as “energy-boosting halva”.

Savar Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 15 March 2018, 10:17 AM
Updated : 15 March 2018, 10:17 AM

Two more people, who consumed the same substance, landed in hospital. Doctors said both were in critical care.

All of them are garment workers and lived in the same house owned by Mohammad Ali in the Bhadail neighbourhood, said Ashulia police OC Abdul Awal.

Zillur Rahman, Motaleb Sheikh, Shamim Sheikh and Farid Uddin were brought to Enam Medical College Hospital Wednesday night, said Babul Hossain, manager of the hospital.

“Doctors declared Zillur and Motaleb dead. They died of poisoning,” he said citing doctors.

“On Wednesday night, they made halva with materials they had bought from a man who sells herbal remedies. They fell sick soon after eating the halva. Neighbours brought them to hospital,” OC Awal said.

Locals said a so-called herbal doctor sells the items known as “energy-boosting halva” on the streets in Savar.

“This halva is sold in many areas. No-one ever complained about it. We do not have enough information to confirm if they really work or not,” said Savar Upazila Health Officer Amzadul Hoque.

“They fell ill after eating something but I don’t know exactly what it was,” said Nurul Hoque, a caretaker of the house where the four lived.