Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) expresses deepest condolences and solidarity with the families of the injured and deceased of the devastating explosion at the BM depot in Sitakunda of Chattogram. This fire took away at least 41 people and hundreds of people get burned.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, several containers at the depot have been found to be stored with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is notoriously flammable and generally bottled at high pressure.

The Sitakunda blaze is the biggest tragedy in the 24-year history of the container depot industry in Chattogram, and the first likely caused by chemicals. This incident reminds the Beirut explosion of 2020, in which more than 200 people were killed and the port was razed to the ground.

The owners of BM Container Depot issued a statement promising maximum compensation for all of the victims. The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced to give Tk 2 lakh in compensation to the families of each person killed in the fire.

This fire incident not only claim lives but also take a toll on the environment as well. In the aftermath of the fire in Sitakunda, the hazardous chemicals are contaminating the local water sources and spreading in the nearby areas.

It is high time the authorities took the issue of handling and storage of hazardous materials and chemicals seriously. Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) urged the government and the authorities to thoroughly review the existing laws, policies and guidelines related to fire safety and amend them if needed.