Workers were inside Ashulia factory during deadly blaze, labour group demands probe

Jatiya Sramik Shakti has demanded an impartial investigation into the deadly fire and explosions at Pretty Composite Textile Limited in Ashulia, saying around 600 workers were inside the factory when the disaster struck on Sunday evening.

At least seven people were killed and more than 50 injured in the incident near Fantasy Kingdom at Jamgora intersection, according to the labour organisation.

The fire broke out at around 7 pm, with initial accounts pointing to explosions involving gas cylinders. Jatiya Sramik Shakti, however, said the exact cause should not be assumed before an investigation is completed.

“While a gas-cylinder explosion is initially suspected to have caused the fire, the actual cause must be established through an investigation,” the organisation said in a statement.

The group called for investigators to determine whether negligence or deficiencies in the factory’s safety arrangements contributed to the disaster and demanded legal action against anyone found responsible.

“There can be no compromise when it comes to workers’ lives and safety in industrial facilities,” it said.

Jatiya Sramik Shakti said proper maintenance and regular inspections of boilers, electrical systems, fire-safety equipment and emergency exits must be ensured across industrial facilities.

The organisation’s Convener Mazharul Islam Fakir and Member Secretary Riaz Morshed, in a joint statement, expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The statement came after explosions and a fire tore through vehicles carrying gas cylinders at the Pretty Group factory premises in Jamgora on Sunday evening.

Police and Fire Service officials earlier confirmed that seven people had died. Five badly charred bodies were recovered from a burned vehicle, while another severely burned victim died after being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

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