Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital on Monday (September 21) to check on those injured in the gas cylinder explosion at Preeti Composite Textile Limited in the Jamgora Chourasta area of Ashulia, Dhaka. Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury was also present.

During the visit, Dr Abdul Moin Khan spoke with the injured receiving treatment at the two hospitals and met their family members. He also handed over Tk 50,000 in financial assistance from the government to the family of Nazrul Islam, who died in the incident.

After visiting the hospitals, Dr Moin Khan said they had come to the hospitals on an urgent basis following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to assess the situation and check on the victims.

He said the prime minister had given him immediate instructions on the matter from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before departing for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The prime minister is regularly monitoring the situation and has assured the victims and their families that the government will stand by them,” he said.

Dr Moin Khan said the government was supporting the families of those killed and injured during this difficult time. Relevant authorities had been instructed to ensure proper treatment for the injured, while financial assistance was also being provided to affected families.

The minister expressed deep sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also called on all concerned to remain more vigilant and responsible to prevent such accidents in the future.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government was standing beside those affected by the Ashulia fire. He said all necessary measures were being taken to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

He added that the families of both the deceased and injured were being provided Tk 50,000 each in financial assistance from the government.

A committee has already been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, he said, adding that necessary action would be taken once the committee submits its report.

The minister also instructed the relevant authorities to perform their duties more carefully to ensure workplace safety.

Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarfder and senior officials from the relevant ministries were present during the hospital visits.