City Correspondent

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan today said the government stands by the families of those killed and injured in the gas cylinder explosion on the premises of Priti Composite Textile Limited in the Jamgora Chourasta area of Ashulia, on the outskirts of the capital.

Dr Moyeen said, “As per the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we have come to the hospitals on an emergency basis to enquire about those killed and injured in the fire. The Prime Minister is constantly enquiring about you [victims] and has expressed his commitment to stand by you.”

Instructions have been given to the relevant authorities to ensure necessary treatment for the injured. Financial assistance is being provided by the government to the affected families, he added.

The minister made the remarks during a visit to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital to enquire about the victims.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury accompanied him during the visit. The ministers spoke with the victims’ family members.

He also handed over Tk 50,000 in financial assistance from the government to the family of Nazrul Islam, who was killed in the fire.

The LGRD minister also expressed deep sympathy to those who lost their loved ones in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He said all concerned must play a more cautious and responsible role to prevent such accidents.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government stands by those killed and injured in the Ashulia fire. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure proper treatment for the injured. Tk 50,000 in cash is being provided by the government to each family of those killed and injured.

He further said an investigation committee has already been formed to determine the cause of the accident. Necessary measures will be taken immediately after receiving the report of the investigation committee, he added.

He directed the concerned authorities to perform their duties more cautiously to ensure workplace safety.

Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarfadar and senior officials of the concerned ministries were present during the visit.