Narayanganj: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia expressed deep shock at the tragic stampede that left 10 Hindu devotees dead and 30 others injured during 'Astami Snan', one of the major religious festivals of the community, at Langalbandh in Narayanganj on Friday.

Khaleda Zia blamed the government's mismanagement and indifference for the tragic incident.  

In a condolence message, she said, ‘I'm disheartened and deeply saddened like the country's people at the killing of 10 people, including women and children, and injuries to over 30 people in the river Brahmaputra in Narayanganj's Langalbandh area during the Hindu community's holy bath.’

‘I don't have words to express my shock over such a tragic and shocking incident,’ the BNP chief added.

She demanded the government put on trial those neglected in their duties over the incident after identifying them through a fair investigation.

The BNP chairperson also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. She also wished early recovery of those injured.

At least 10 devotees were trampled to death and 30 others injured during the Hindu community's Astami, annual open bath festival, at Langalbandh in Bandar upazila.  

Every year, on the eighth day of the lunar month which falls in the Bengali month of Chaitra, tens of thousands of devotees from home and abroad assemble on the banks of the Old Brahmaputra for the ritual bath in the river.