Man dies trying to collect his VGF card

A VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) card seeker was killed and 10 others injured when a chaotic situation broke out during the distribution of the cards and VGF rice yesterday afternoon.

The incident took place at at Phulpur Mohila Degree College venue in Mymensingh.

The dead was identified as Hafiz Uddin, 60, a day labourer from Phulpur upazila.

Of the injured, six were taken to Phulpur Upazila Health Complex from where Hafiz and Firoza Khatun, 65, another card seeker, were referred to Mymensingh Medical college Hospital. Hafiz died on the way.

Dr Pranesh Chandra Pandit, residential medical officer of Phulpur Upazila Health Complex, said observing Hafiz’s condition critical, he was immediately referred to Mymensingh.

Hafiz might have suffered a massive heart attack in the incident as there was no injury mark over his body, said Dr Pranesh.

Police recovered the body and sent it to MMCH morgue for autopsy.

Another card seeker Khokon Mia, 32, was undergoing treatment at the health complex while three others, including a local correspondent of Daily Sangbad, who was at the scene on duty, were released after being given primary treatment.

Imarat Hossain Gazi, officer-in-charge of Phulpur Police Station, said the number of VGF card seekers was more than that in the prepared list. The huge crowd was jostling, pushing and shoving amongst themselves at the venue since 11:30am.

 While the card distribution was taking place, the card seekers outside the gate at one point broke in and entered the venue around 2:00pm and chaos ensued. Around 10 people were injured in the incident, said the OC.

  On information, a police team rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control and rescued the injured, said the OC.

However, an eye-witness preferring anonymity said that police who were already there at the venue to oversee the distribution, charged batons on the card seekers as soon the gate broke open and the card seekers entered the premises.

The OC denied any incident of baton charge on the people.

Md Aminul Haque, mayor of Phulpur Municipality, said the names and number of VGF card seekers, of nine wards, were earlier selected by the commissioners of the respective wards. Around 4,621 poor people were listed as card seekers for VGF rice.

But a large number of people who were not listed were also present at the venue, which created a chaotic situation in front of the gate.

He could not confirm immediately whether Hafiz was enlisted for the card.