Bangladesh police continue investigating the deadly Ashulia explosion as no arrests have been made six days after the blast.
Dhaka: Six days after a deadly Ashulia explosion killed eight people and injured at least 25 others, Bangladesh police have not made any arrests as investigators continue collecting evidence from the scene and reviewing available CCTV footage.
The explosion took place on September 20 at the premises of Pretty Group in the Jamgora area of Ashulia, Savar. The incident caused multiple casualties and raised concerns about the handling, transportation and storage of gas cylinders and other potentially hazardous materials at industrial facilities.
The blast occurred at a time when the factory premises were being used for the storage and transportation of gas cylinders. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged in the explosion, while the force of the blast caused significant destruction at the site.
Police Continue Investigation Into Ashulia Explosion
Police have continued their investigation since the incident and have been collecting physical and documentary evidence from the factory premises.
A case was filed on September 22 against six factory officials and employees along with unidentified individuals in connection with the explosion. Despite the case being registered, no arrests had been made six days after the blast.
Investigators said they were examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish what happened before the explosion and determine the circumstances surrounding the storage and transportation of the cylinders.
Police have also seized burnt vehicles and collected available CCTV recordings from the factory area. Investigators are reportedly seeking additional footage that could help establish the sequence of events leading up to the blast.
The investigation is expected to examine the responsibilities of factory officials and employees involved in the handling of the cylinders and other materials at the premises.
According to investigators, some of the named accused were reportedly not available at their usual locations. Police said efforts were continuing to locate them while the investigation progressed.
The Ashulia explosion resulted in eight deaths and left at least 25 people injured.
The incident caused significant concern among workers, local residents and labour representatives in the area. Ashulia is one of Bangladesh’s major industrial zones, with a large number of factories and workers operating across the Savar industrial belt.
The deaths have increased scrutiny of safety arrangements at industrial facilities where gas cylinders and other potentially dangerous materials are handled.
Following the explosion, questions were also raised about whether appropriate procedures were followed in transporting and storing the cylinders at the facility.
Authorities are expected to determine whether any safety regulations were violated and whether negligence or improper procedures contributed to the incident.
However, investigators have not announced a final conclusion on the cause of the explosion, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Separate investigation committees have also been formed by the Fire Service and the Dhaka district administration to examine the incident.
The Fire Service committee was given 15 working days to prepare its report, while the committee formed by the district administration was given seven working days.
The committees are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the explosion, assess safety arrangements and identify any failures that may have contributed to the incident.
Officials involved in the investigation have indicated that the district administration’s inquiry was nearing completion, with its report expected after the remaining evidence was reviewed.
The reports could provide additional information about the circumstances of the explosion and whether any violations of safety requirements occurred at the facility.
No Arrests Made Six Days After Deadly Blast
The absence of arrests has attracted criticism from labour representatives, who have called for accountability following the deaths and injuries.
They have urged authorities to complete the investigation and take action if individuals or organizations are found responsible for violating safety regulations or failing to maintain appropriate safety measures.
For investigators, however, establishing the exact circumstances of the incident remains a key priority. CCTV footage, witness statements, damaged vehicles and other physical evidence are being examined as part of the investigation.
The case also highlights broader concerns about industrial safety in Bangladesh, particularly at facilities where gas cylinders and other hazardous materials are transported, stored or used.
Authorities are expected to determine whether the existing safety measures were adequate and whether additional precautions are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, families of those killed and injured in the Ashulia explosion are awaiting further information about the circumstances that led to the deadly incident.
Police have yet to announce any arrests, while the investigation and separate official inquiries remain underway.
