Narayanganj mosque blast: petition seeks Tk 50 lakh compensation from Titas for each victim’s family

A writ petition was filed with the High Court today, seeking its order upon the authorities concerned of Titas Gas Ltd to give Tk 50 lakh in compensation to each family of victims, who died and suffered injuries from the Narayanganj mosque blast.

Twenty-six people have so far died and several others suffered injuries from the explosion at Pashchim Talla Baitus Salam Mosque of Narayanganj after Esha prayers on Friday.

There has been widespread allegation that the explosion was caused by gas that leaked from underground pipeline and accumulated inside the ground floor of the mosque.

Supreme Court lawyer Mar-um Khondaker submitted the writ petition this morning as a public interest litigation to the HC, praying to the government to identify the persons responsible for the negligence in repairing the gas pipeline which reportedly caused the explosion.

In the petition, she said officials of Titas Gas Ltd have reportedly sought Tk 50,000 from the mosque committee to repair the leakage of gas pipeline.

The Titas Gas Ltd did not repair the gas line as its officials were not given the money, Mar-um Khondaker told The Daily Star.

The writ petitioner also requested the HC to order the authorities concerned to regularly check lines of all utility services, including those of gas, electricity and water, across the country and to take necessary steps if any defects are found.

The lawyer said the HC may hold hearing on the writ petition tomorrow.