Case against KSRM official over stampede

CHATTOGRAM, May 15: Amid allegations of mismanagement and negligence on the part of the organisers voiced by the district administration and the local representatives, the KSRM authorities said they had all necessary measures to maintain discipline in the distribution of Iftar items and zakat to the poor people.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner said they were not informed about the Iftar items distribution programme of the KSRM Group.

The accident could have been averted if the administration had helped the company being informed beforehand, he added.

The KSRM authorities said all preparations had been taken from 8.00 am at the madrasa field and the local police station and Upazila administration was verbally informed while the management sought police help as well.

The authorities said 100 police members including female police and 200 security personnel and volunteers of the company were involved in the whole event at the madrasa field alongside keeping three doctors and ambulance stand-by to tackle any situation.

As there were over-crowded people, the receivers jostled in a hurry in the severe heat and some of the women suffered from suffocation, leading to the deaths.

The management quickly arranged sending the victims to the hospital but nine of them died on the spot and one succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. All these are women above 40 years.

The management expressed condolence and deep shock for the deaths and assured compensation worth Tk 300, 000 for family of each of the deceased, medical treatment at the company's cost in the hospitals and job for a member of each of those families in the company.

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