Keraniganj Factory Fire: Death toll goes up to 21

Another worker injured in the December 11 fire at a Keraniganj plastic factory died during the early hours of yesterday, raising the death toll to 21.

Mofizul Islam (45), who sustained 40 percent burns, died at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in the city around midnight, said Resident Surgeon (outdoor) of the institute Dr Partha Shankar Pal.

Hailing from Meghna upazila of Cumilla, Mofizul used to live in Armanitola with his wife and three children.

Three more injured are on life support at the institute while eight are in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, doctors said.

The plastic factory at Chunkutia had been operating without permission for years. It had a single gate for entry and exit and no emergency exits whatsoever, said survivors and fire officials.

Locals alleged that the authorities concerned turned a blind eye to the lack of safety measures at the factory even though it had been producing disposable plastic cups and plates for around 10 years.

Keraniganj upazila administration sealed it off on December 13.

Relatives of the victims demanded stern action against the factory owner, Nazrul Islam, who is on the run, for failing to ensure safety and better work environment.