Case filed over workers' death in BSRM factory accident

The family of one of the five workers, who died in an accident at BSRM factory, filed a case against the floor in-charge bringing allegation of negligence.

Abdur Rahim, brother-in-law of deceased BSRM worker Abul Kashem, filed the case with the Jorarganj police station in Chattogram.

Molten iron fell on the workers at the BSRM factory on Saturday, leaving three dead and another two injured critically.       

The deceased are Nazrul Islam, 24, Gias Uddin, 24 and Abul Kashem, 62. Of them Kashem died Saturday while being taken to hospital. The other victims died while being shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital burn unit from Chattogram Medical College Hospital early on Sunday.       

The injured – Nur Hosen, 30, and Mohiuddin, 26 – are being treated in Dhaka.   

The authorities have not been able to identify the cause, even 24 hours after the incident. Though police said the workers died of burn injuries sustained from molten iron, the families of the victims said the workers died in a factory explosion.  

Meantime, though BSRM has formed a probe committee to investigate the matter, it has not included any fire service or factory inspection department representative in the committee. On top of that, BSRM has not given any specific account about how the workers died.  

Joarganj police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mofiz Uddin Bhuyan said they were investigating the complaint. 

Assistant Manager (RP and Communications) of BSRM Omor Soyaib said their probe team is also looking into the matter.

"BSRM expressed condolence to the families and assured them of necessary assistance," he added.         

Ranajit Barua, managing partner of Hightech Engineering who supplies workers to the iron re-rolling mill, said the deceased worker named Kashem was their recruit.      

"This accident could have happened due to a technical fault. They talked to the high officials about compensation, and they assured the victims' families that they will get that," he added.

Factory inspection department yet to turn up at the scene   

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments did not inspect the spot even after 24 hours until Sunday afternoon.        

If any incident or accident takes place at any factory, it is the responsibility of the department to visit the spot immediately.  

Chattogram Deputy Director General of the department Mohammad Al Amin said, "We were informed about the accident by BSRM. I promptly asked the officials to visit the factory and submit a report."

"You know the ongoing virus crisis and our manpower shortage," Al Amin replied as he was asked why none of the official turned up at the scene even 24 hours after the incident.        

Shuvankar Das, the inspector tasked with the area, said he will submit the report after visiting the factory. "I could not go there as we have our weekly meeting Sunday," he added. 

Meanwhile, fire service and civil defence Mirsharai station officer Mohammad Tanvir said BSRM told them the situation was under control as they went to the factory.  

"The iron re-roller also said they had sent the injured to the hospital. But they did not specify the reason for the accident" he added.