Report: 15 people die after drinking toxic homemade liquor in northeastern Bangladesh

Report: 15 die from homemade alcohol in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh — At least 15 people have died after drinking toxic home-brewed liquor in northeastern Bangladesh.

The United News of Bangladesh agency reported Saturday they consumed alcohol mixed with toxic methanol in the Sylhet district late Wednesday. The area is 120 miles (190 kilometers) northeast of the capital Dhaka.

Local officials are quoted as saying two died Friday and the others Saturday in hospitals.

Many impoverished people drink illegally brewed liquor that is often spiked with toxic chemicals to increase its potency in Bangladesh. The Muslim-majority country is a conservative nation and alcohol is not easy to get.

Officials could not be reached for comment Saturday.