N’ganj blast survivors improve

Deputy Inspector General of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Md Mainul Hasan has said everyone responsible for Narayanganj mosque blast will be brought under a speedy trial based on statements and evidence collected during the investigation.

"We will complete the investigation with the highest professionalism and skill," he said yesterday while talking to media after visiting Pashchim Talla Baitus Salat Mosque in Narayanganj where a deadly explosion took place on September 4.

At least 39 people were injured in the explosion and of them, 31 have died so far.

"On completion of the investigation, we will submit the report to a lower court," said the DIG, who along with his team visited the mosque around 11:00am.

Asked about primary findings of their investigation, he said it seems that the explosion occurred due to accumulated gas.

It can be confirmed after further investigation, he added.

Evidence are being collected from the spot, he said, adding that, "We will talk to the locals and the evidence will be examined at our forensic department. We will complete the investigation within the shortest possible time after examining the evidence and other probe reports."

It is suspected that the explosion was caused due to an accumulation of leaked gas from an underground Titas Gas pipeline after it came in contact with an electric spark.

Titas Gas has suspended eight of its officials and staffers in connection with the blast. During digging, officials noticed two holes in an underground gas pipe adjacent to the mosque.

Meanwhile, the condition of all five Narayanganj mosque explosion victims currently undergoing treatment in the ICU of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery is somewhat better than before but still in danger, doctors said.

"Some of them have lesser burn injuries. But as all the five patients suffered inhalation burns, we can't consider them to be out of danger," Dr Partha Sankar Paul, resident surgeon of the institute, told reporters yesterday.

Of the five, Sheikh Farid suffered 50 percent burn injuries, Abdul Aziz 47 percent, Kenan Hossain Bappi 30 percent, Amzad 25 percent, and Sifat 25 percent, according to hospital sources.