Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has described the deadly gas explosion at a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda as a “very tragic accident”, saying action will be taken after an investigation determines the cause and identifies any negligence.
At least eight bodies had been brought to Chittagong Medical College Hospital following the explosion, which occurred on Friday while workers were cutting a ship at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard. Several others were injured.
The minister visited the hospital on Friday afternoon to inquire about the condition of the injured and console the families of the victims.
The minister said that an investigation committee will be formed into the incident. Necessary measures will be taken based on the investigation report. There is no point in going for or against anyone. It is the government’s responsibility to investigate and find out the correct information.
He said, “So far, 8 bodies have arrived at the Medical College. The rest of the information is not available yet.”
Without commenting on the cause of the accident right away, the minister said that action will be taken based on what is found in the investigation.
He said, ‘There is nothing for or against anyone here. The government's responsibility is to investigate and find out the correct information and take all necessary measures in this regard.'
The minister also said that the Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association will provide Tk 1 million to each family of the deceased. He said that the government will also provide assistance.
Stating that there is still gas leakage after the accident, the minister said that the army's explosives team has gone to the spot to control it. Stating that it is difficult to control the gas explosion, he said that the army is trying to bring the situation under control.
Meanwhile, Amir Khasru said that the government is giving importance to the compliance of green yards in the shipbreaking industry. He said that inspections are also underway in these matters.
He said that if the specific criteria of the Hong Kong Charter are met, they are given a green yard certificate. However, an investigation will be conducted to see if there was any lack of compliance or negligence. If the accident occurred due to negligence, action will be taken.
FP/R
