7 workers injured in N’ganj factory blast

Seven workers, including two women, were injured in a boiler explosion at an export-oriented garment factory in Fatullah, Narayanganj. The injured have been identified as Sabina Begum, Khadija, Shahin, Jakir Hossain, Manju Mia, Arifin, and Hridoy.

The incident occurred at Nirjhor Knitwear Garments, located in the Pagla Taltola area on Friday (June 19). According to workers, the factory’s boiler, located on the third floor, had become unsafe due to its age.

They alleged that workers had repeatedly urged the management to replace it, but their concerns were ignored. Although Friday is a weekly holiday, the factory remained operational.

Shortly after workers began their shifts in the morning, the boiler exploded with a loud blast and triggered a fire. Seven workers nearby sustained injuries.

Their colleagues quickly rescued them and rushed them to local hospitals and Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The fire also destroyed a large quantity of stored fabric and other materials inside the factory.

Following the accident, tensions escalated within the factory premises. Angry workers reportedly detained and assaulted the factory’s Production Manager (PM), Jasim Uddin, and Supervisor Monir.

They expressed outrage over the decision to keep the factory open on a holiday despite known safety risks.

The protesting workers later blocked the Old Dhaka-Narayanganj Road, causing severe traffic congestion. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded, leading to significant inconvenience for commuters.

After receiving information about the situation, police arrived at the scene and held discussions with factory authorities.

The road blockade was later withdrawn after assurances were given regarding proper medical treatment for the injured workers.

Traffic resumed around 12:00 p.m. Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahbub Alam said that the injured workers had been admitted to local clinics and Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

He added that additional police personnel had been deployed in the area, and the situation was now under control.

The OC also said that an investigation into the cause of the explosion was underway and that necessary legal action would be taken accordingly.