5 of a family fall ill after eating puffer fish, one dies

Five members of the same family fell ill after eating tipa or puffer fish in Satkhira's Ashashuni upazila. Among them, grocery trader Md Azharul Islam (50) died while undergoing treatment. The incident occurred in the upazila's Bardal village on Monday, September 14. The deceased, Azharul Islam, was the son of the late Majid Gazi of that village and ran a grocery shop at Bardal Bazar.

Local sources said family members bought puffer fish from a local market and cooked it at home. They fell ill immediately after eating the fish. Azharul Islam was later taken to a private hospital in Satkhira in critical condition, where he died while undergoing treatment.

Currently, Azharul Islam's wife, mother, son and daughter are undergoing treatment at Satkhira Medical College Hospital. One of them has been sent to Khulna for advanced treatment.

Local resident Sharifuzzaman Sharif said the family members fell ill right after buying puffer fish from the market, cooking and eating it. They were later taken to hospital, where one died while undergoing treatment. The others are still hospitalised.

Ashshuni Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Nitish Chandra Goldar said eating puffer fish can cause poisoning. For this reason, people are discouraged from eating such fish. However, he said he was not aware of the Bardal incident. He said he would look into the matter.

Ashshuni Upazila Executive Officer Shyamananda Kundo said he had heard about the matter. It is being looked into.

Meanwhile, Azharul Islam's body is being taken to his village home. A pall of mourning has descended on the area following his death.