Gas leak alert ignored

Although factory workers informed of a gas leak three days prior to the September 10 fire, authorities concerned of Tampaco Foils Ltd took no step to address it, leading to the loss of 34 lives till date, said Tongi police on filing a murder case yesterday.

Police in primary investigation found that the factory's buildings in the Tongi BSCIC industrial area became unfit for use four years ago, electrical wirings there were faulty and the boilers had no expiry labels, Officer-in-Charge Firoz Talukdar told this correspondent.

“Though they (management board) were aware of it, they did not take any measures. As a result, these people have died and it is tantamount to killing,” he said.

Ten persons have been accused in the case filed by Sub-inspector Ajoy Chakrabarty including Tampaco's owner Mokbul Hossain Lechhu, his wife and the factory Director Parvin, and daughter and Deputy Managing Director Habiba.

The others are his son-in-law and member of its board of directors Safiuddin, son and Managing Director Tanvir Ahmed, General Manager Safikur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director Alamgir Hossain and managers Manir Hossain, Samir Ahmed and Hanif.

One case has already been filed with Tongi police by Abdul Kader, father of deceased factory worker Jewel, on September 11 against the owner and seven others.

At least 11 people are still unaccounted for and 50 others suffered burns in the fire as the rescue operation continued for the eighth day yesterday.