Rath Yatra tragedy: Govt to cover medical expenses for victims, says Health Minister

The government will cover all medical expenses for the victims injured during the Bogura Rath Yatra tragedy, Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen said on Monday.

Two critically injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the burn unit of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. They are not out of danger yet, the minister said during a press briefing following his visit to the burn unit.

“I have spoken with the victims’ families and assured them that we are doing everything possible. The government will bear all medical expenses for the injured,” he reiterated, as per UNB reports.

Describing the incident as “very tragic,” Dr Sen mentioned that the Bogura Civil Surgeon and the director of Bogura Government Hospital have been instructed to ensure the victims receive proper treatment.

Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and other officials from the Health Services Division were also present during the visit.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuring 43 others during the Rath Yatra (a Hindu religious festival) in Bogura district town.

A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the deaths from electrocution at the Seujgari Amtala intersection.

Bogura Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said that the committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Imrul Kayes, has been directed to submit a report within 10 working days.