More than 200 people received treatment at hospitals in Brahmanbaria after sustaining injuries while slaughtering sacrificial animals and cutting meat on Eid-ul-Adha day.
Most of the injured suffered cuts to their hands, legs and other body parts from sharp knives and cleavers. Several others also sustained injuries after being kicked or trampled by cows and buffaloes.
The information emerged from the emergency department register of Brahmanbaria 250-bed General Hospital between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Thursday.
Hospital sources said most of the injuries occurred due to careless handling of knives, cleavers and other sharp tools during meat cutting. Many victims required stitches on their hands and legs. Several people also suffered broken limbs and other injuries after being kicked or crushed by sacrificial animals during slaughter.
Doctors said none of the injured patients were in critical condition.
The injured included Tajul, 58, Javed, 18, Hanif, 22, Naushad, 25, Mashek, 25, Sohag, 40, Jitni, 18, Khayer, 35, Alvi, 12, Bishal, 20, Jahangir, 42, Hasim, 25, Ifti, 20, Liton, 30, Mehedi, 21, Kamrul, 25, Ibrahim, 25, Sharif, 22, Mitul, 27, Robin, 20, Nahid, 26, Ismail, 26, Mustakim, 18, Ramim, 18, Rohan, 23, Nirab, 18, Helal Mia, 31, Sani, 35, Ubaidul, 25, and Sayan, 25, among many others.
Locals said most of the accidents occurred in different neighbourhoods of the town due to lack of experience and carelessness. Seasonal butchers and family members suffered the highest number of injuries while slaughtering animals and cutting meat.
Sohag Mia, a resident of Kazipara area, said he accidentally struck his leg with a sharp weapon while cutting meat. Family members later rushed him to hospital, where doctors gave him three stitches.
Hanif Mia from Bhadughar area said he accidentally cut his hand with a knife while cutting beef after the sacrifice in the morning. He sought treatment at the hospital after excessive bleeding.
Mohammad Khayer from Baishmouza area in Nabinagar said a buffalo broke free during slaughter and fell on him, leaving him injured in his hand, face and several other parts of the body.
Doctors Shuvra Roy and Dr Dipankar Ghosh, who were on duty in the morning shift at the hospital’s emergency department, said the emergency unit had been under pressure from injured patients since morning. They said most of the injuries happened due to carelessness during animal slaughter and meat cutting.
Anik Deb, who worked in the afternoon shift, said more than 50 injured patients received treatment from noon until evening. Most of them suffered cuts on different parts of their hands. He said doctors provided primary treatment to all of them.
Hospital superintendent Ratan Kumar Dhali said doctors, nurses and healthcare workers remained on duty to handle the extra pressure in the emergency department on Eid day. He added that consultants and surgeons from the surgery department were kept ready for emergencies and the operation theatre remained prepared.
