Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has demanded an urgent and impartial investigation, accountability and adequate compensation following a gas cylinder explosion in Ashulia that left eight people dead and around 25 injured.
The rights organization also called for stronger safety measures to prevent similar incidents involving gas cylinders and other flammable and hazardous substances.
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred at around 6:45pm on Sunday at the industrial premises of Pretty Group in the Jamgora area of Ashulia, Dhaka, involving a vehicle carrying gas cylinders, according to a BLAST press release.
Nearby vehicles and structures were also damaged, it said.
BLAST expressed deep grief over the deaths, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The organization called for a technical examination of the vehicle involved, gas cylinders, valves, regulators, pipes or hoses, connection systems, and the entire gas transfer and supply system.
It said authorities should verify whether the cylinders and equipment had valid expiry dates, test certificates, registrations and approvals and were fit for use.
BLAST also demanded an investigation into whether the Gas Cylinder Rules, 1991, and other applicable laws and regulations concerning explosives, fire and workplace safety were followed in the transportation, storage, filling, transfer and use of gas cylinders.
It called for verification of whether the factory and related facilities had adequate risk assessments, fire safety measures, emergency response plans, safe loading and unloading arrangements, and systems for managing flammable and pressurized gas.
The organization said authorities should determine whether relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies properly carried out their responsibilities regarding licensing and approvals, regular inspections, safety supervision and enforcement of laws.
If evidence of negligence, carelessness or legal violations by any individual, organization or government official is found, BLAST demanded that accountability be ensured under the law.
It also called for proper assessment of the losses suffered by the families of those killed, the injured and other affected people and demanded adequate compensation.
The organization further demanded that the full cost of necessary medical treatment, long-term care and rehabilitation support for the injured be ensured.
BLAST cites Nimtoli fire case
BLAST referred to the 2010 Nimtoli fire and said the High Court had previously considered the responsibilities and accountability of relevant authorities in cases involving fires, flammable and hazardous substances and public safety.
According to the organization, a writ petition filed over the Nimtoli fire resulted in a Rule Nisi concerning effective measures to prevent and deal with fires, control the use and storage of flammable, petroleum, chemical and explosive substances in unauthorized warehouses and factories in densely populated areas, and ensure adequate safety measures at authorized facilities.
The petition also raised issues concerning strengthening the Fire Service and Civil Defence and providing adequate compensation to those affected, BLAST said.
The court subsequently directed the submission of investigation reports, reports identifying hazardous establishments, and reports on regular monitoring and inspections while the case was pending, according to the organization.
BLAST said the High Court's directions in the Nimtoli case and other incidents should be taken into consideration to strengthen regular, coordinated and effective inspections and preventive measures.
It called for stronger monitoring of the transportation