More than 200 people in Brahmanbaria were treated in hospital on Eid-ul-Azha after being injured while slaughtering sacrificial animals and cutting meat. Most had cuts to their hands, legs and other parts of the body from sharp tools. Several were also hurt by kicks or shoves from cows and buffaloes.

The figures come from the emergency department register of the Brahmanbaria 250-bed General Hospital, covering 8am to 6pm on Thursday 28 May.

According to the hospital, most were injured accidentally by knives, cleavers and other sharp tools while cutting sacrificial meat. Many needed several stitches to their hands and legs. Others suffered injuries including broken arms and legs from being kicked or pushed by animals during slaughter. Doctors said none of the injured was in a serious condition.

Inquiries found that the accidents happened mostly because of inexperience and carelessness in neighbourhoods across the town. Seasonal butchers and family members were the most frequently hurt while slaughtering animals and cutting meat.

Sohag Mia, who lives in Kazipara in the town, said: "I was cutting meat holding it under my foot when the blade suddenly struck my leg. My family brought me to hospital. I needed three stitches in my leg."

Hanif Mia of Bhadughar said a knife caught his hand by accident while he was cutting beef after the morning sacrifice. He came to hospital after heavy bleeding.

Md. Khayer of Baishmouja in Nabinagar said a buffalo broke its tether during slaughter and fell on him, injuring his hands, face and other parts of his body.

Shubhra Roy and Dipankar Ghosh, doctors on the morning roster in the hospital's emergency department, said the department was under pressure with injured patients from the morning. They had been hurt through carelessness while cutting sacrificial meat and slaughtering animals.

Anik Deb, a doctor on the afternoon roster, said more than 50 patients were treated between midday and evening. Most had cuts to different parts of their hands and were given first aid.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.