A deadly explosion in the crowded Moghbazar area in capital Dhaka on Sunday evening killed at least eight people and injured a hundred others, besides causing widespread damage. A four-story building that partially collapsed had a restaurant, many shops and showrooms at the ground floor. The explosion was so powerful that the shockwave smashed the walls and windowpanes of nearby buildings around it. Faulty gas line or gas cylinders may have caused the blast, authorities said on Monday.
Police have ruled out any terrorist activity behind the horrific explosion, saying their initial investigation of the site suggested that the tragedy might have been caused by “gas explosion”. The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense and the bomb disposal unit of police also primarily suspected accumulated gas from leakage to be the cause of the explosion. An investigation has now been launched to uncover what led to the deadly incident. So we have to wait to know the actual cause of the blast for few more days.
There are allegations that LPG cylinders supplied by different companies often compromise the safety issue. They are not particular about the cylinders’ quality and their expiry dates. On the other hand, concerned offices like the Department of Explosives and law enforcement agencies are not prompt in taking action even after getting complaints about illegal gas connections. They are found prompt to investigate spots after receiving complaints, but after that the investigation hardly proceeds. In spite of being pursued by the complainers the cases do not make progress as expected.
Meanwhile, a probe committee involving officials from bomb disposal unit has been formed, said Inspector General Police Benazir Ahmed to media on Monday, adding it will work with the fire service to try to find out the reason behind the blast. Earlier, such blasts have occurred at a mosque in Narayanganj’s Pashchim Talla and in Shanir Akra areas. At least 24 people had succumbed to their burn injuries in the mosque blast. We want the authorities to be prompt enough to take action so that such incidents do not recur.
