Two people were electrocuted and 13 others injured during the inauguration of a shop in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur district on Sunday night.
The deceased were identified as Shahabuddin, 45, of Pirgachha upazila, and Shariful Islam, 38, of Mithapukur upazila, as per a UNB report.
According to locals, a doa mahfil (prayer ceremony) was arranged for the opening of the fertiliser shop owned by one Nazar Ali in in Sahabaz (Amtola) area under Balapara Union.
During the event, a bamboo pole used in the decorative canopy got electrified due to a faulty connection, causing several guests to suffer electric shock.
Locals rushed the injured to Upazila Health Complex, where physicians declared the duo dead upon arrival.
Three out of the injured victims were later shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Officer-in-charge of Kaunia Police Station, Md Abdul Latif Shah, said an investigation is underway and legal action will be taken in this regard.