BOGRA, Bangladesh, Nov 1 (Reuters) - At least 18 people died in Bangladesh on Saturday after unlicensed spirits made them sick but they were afraid to report it in the Muslim country, police said.

Police said the victims in the northern Bogra district bought the spurious liquor with a high alcohol content from an unlicensed brewer and fell sick shortly after consuming it.

They did not report immediately to police or hospitals because drinking alcohol is a punishable offence in Bangladesh, except in big hotels and some licensed bars.

Relatives informed police and reporters after the deaths.

"We confirmed 18 deaths but some more may have gone unreported," said a police officer in Bogra, 200 km (120 miles) from the capital Dhaka.

"We are seeking more details and are trying to find the brewer," he added.

(Reporting by Hasibur Rahman; Writing by Anis Ahmed; Editing by Michael Roddy)

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