Own Correspondent: The police have arrested factory director Parvez Hossain (48) in connection with the explosion at the Sitakunda oxygen plant in Chittagong. The Industrial Police Chief and Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter on Tuesday (March 14) around 10:30 p.m.
Seven people were killed and more than 33 injured in an explosion at Seema Re-Rolling Mill’s oxygen plant on March 4. A case was filed at the Sitakunda police station on the night of March 6 regarding the explosion. Rokeya Begum, wife of Abdul Quader Mia, who lost her life in the blast, filed the case as the plaintiff. Accused are: MD. Mamun Uddin (55), Director Parvez Hossain (48), Ashraf Uddin Bappi (42), Manager Abdul Alim (45), Plant Operator In-Charge Samsuzzaman Shikder (62), Plant Operator Khurshid Alam (50), Salim Jahan (58), Executive Director Md. Kamal Uddin, Admin Officer Golam Kibria, Officer Shantanu Roy, Samiul, Supervisor Idris Ali, Sana Ullah, Siraj Ud-Daula, Rakibul, and Rajeev
In the statement of the case, the plaintiff, Rokeya Begum, mentioned that her husband once said on the phone, 10–15 days ago, that the factory is laying off experienced and skilled officers and workers due to a lack of money. Those currently working are unskilled and inexperienced. Allah knows when accidents happen. They were very worried after hearing this. An explosion occurred in the factory’s oxygen column due to unknown reasons on February 4. Later, after getting the news, the plaintiff found her husband at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Her husband died there after some time under treatment.
In the statement, he also mentioned that the factory owners and officials did not take proper precautionary measures. They dangerously produced, filled, and delivered gas. They do not have the trained manpower to deal with accidents immediately. Seven people, including her husband, died in the explosion. In the case, charges were brought against the accused under sections 304 (a), 337, 338 and 427 of the Penal Code.
