BNP demands neutral investigation into Sitakunda fire

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday demanded that the government forms a neutral investigation commission to identify those responsible for the deadly fire at BM container depot in Sitakunda.

“I think an independent probe commission should be formed immediately to look into the incident and find out those who are responsible for this,” he said.

Fakhrul was speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, reports UNB.

He also demanded the government to provide the families of those killed in the fire incident with adequate compensation and ensure proper treatment of the injured.

At the same time, the BNP leader urged the government to introduce a 'surveillance system' in all container depots of the country.

Replying to a question, Fakhrul said we want a free and neutral investigation.

Questioning the role of the government, the BNP secretary general said “This government neither does anything for the welfare of the people nor thinks about their safety and security.”

He alleged that the main goal of the Awami League government is to “make their pockets heavier and indulge in corruption in the name of building so-called infrastructures.”

Responding to a question about the impact on the garment sector and economy of the country following the Chattogram fire, the BNP leader said “Of course there would be a negative impact on it.”

After the Tazreen factory fire and Rana Plaza collapse the garments sector of the country was not in a good position. Though the situation has improved in recent years following the continuous effort of buyers and garment producers and owners, the issue of security remained neglected, he said. Fakhrul also blamed the government for it.

“After the massive inferno at Chattogram, the government should announce ‘National Mourning Day’,” he said.

The Awami League is now involved in looting, corruption and money laundering. They are just ruining the hope of the people and there is nothing but the Padma Bridge, he added.

The death toll from the devastating fire reached 50 with the recovery of another body from a container of the depot in the morning, according to Fire Service authorities.

The huge fire also left more than and 200 people were injured, some of them in critical condition.