Two more victims succumbed to their injuries at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital Dhaka on Monday. The death toll from the incident has climbed to 27.
Meanwhile, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd has suspended eight of its employees for their alleged negligence in this regard.
The deceased received burn injury in the tragic air conditioner blast at Baitus Salah Jame Mosque in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area on Friday night.
Dr Partha Shangkar Paul, a resident doctor at the institute, confirmed the matter to Bangladesh Post.
One of the deceased was identified as Monir Farazi, 30, son of Sobhan Farazi of Bakerganj upazila of Barisal district. He was used to living in West Talla area of Narayanganj. Another victim was identified as Imran, 37, a garment worker and son of Alauddin from Naria upazila of Shariatpur district.
At least ten other people are still receiving treatment at the institute. Among them, nine are in critical condition.
Meanwhile, a writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) on Monday, seeking its order upon the authorities concerned of Titas Gas Ltd to give Tk 50 lakh in compensation to each family of the victims who died and suffered injuries in the blast.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mar-um Khondaker submitted the writ petition as a public interest litigation to the HC, praying to the government to identify the persons responsible for the negligence in repairing the gas pipeline which reportedly caused the explosion.
In the petition, she said officials of Titas Gas Ltd have allegedly sought Tk 50,000 from the mosque committee to repair the leakage of gas pipeline.
The Titas Gas Ltd did not repair the gas line as its officials did not get the bribe, she added.
The writ petitioner also requested the HC to order the authorities concerned to regularly check lines of all utility services including gas, electricity and water, across the country and to take necessary steps if any defects are found.
The lawyer said the HC may hold hearing on the writ petition on Tuesday.
Following the criticism and speculation against the authorities of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, they started digging up the road in front of Paschim Talla Baitus Salat Jam'e Mosque to find out if there is any gas pipe line that caused the blast, locals said.
Workers in presence of police in the morning began digging up the floor beneath the three-storied building from where the gas pipeline is running.
Mofizul Islam, DGM of Titas Gas, said over 50 workers are working to find out if there is any old pipeline.
